Africa-Press – Tanzania. RELIGIOUS leaders have called on Tanzanians to actively participate in the electoral process and reject corruption to elect dedicated leaders committed to serving the public.
They warned that if voters choose leaders based on bribes, the nation risks ending up with unethical leaders who will not prioritise the country’s development.
Delivering the Christian Council of Tanzania (CCT) message during Good Friday mass held at the national level at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT), Ulanga Diocese, Ifakara Urban Parish, the Council’s Secretary General, Reverend Canon Moses Matonya, stressed the importance of praying for the upcoming electoral process.
“This year, as our nation will hold General Election, it is important for Christians and all Tanzanians to pray for a peaceful, free and fair electoral process,” he said.
He said that since Tanzania has chosen to embrace multiparty system it is important for all who are eligible to vote, to register and verify their information in the Permanent Voter’s Register so that they can participate actively in the upcoming election to elect leaders who are God fearing and patriotic.
Rev Matonya encouraged Tanzanians with leadership potential to boldly step forward and vie for various positions, in order to have new faces especially youth and fresh ideas to drive positive change in the leadership landscape.
He further cautioned the public to be vigilant against candidates who may attempt to bribe them secretly, urging them to reject and firmly condemn corruption, as it undermines justice and development.
Morogoro ELCT Diocese Bishop and Chairman of CCT for Morogoro Region, Rt Rev Jacob Mameo, called on political parties to focus on promoting sound policies that resonate with citizens as the nation heads toward the General Election later this year. He said that democracy thrives when political competition is centred on ideas and policy not coercion or division.
“This year, our nation is preparing for a crucial general election. The essence of elections is to provide people with the freedom to elect leaders they believe in. That’s why we embrace a multiparty system to provide space for diverse voices and healthy comparisons,” said Rev Mameo.
He added, “Political parties must present clear and compelling policies that show citizens what they intend to deliver. Let people share their vision sing their own songs that attract others. Do not force others to sing your tune. That is the essence of democracy.”
He underscored the importance of upholding the principles of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s 4R philosophy as a framework for constructive political engagement.
Rev Mameo also called for continued government efforts to address concerns regarding the independence of the electoral commission, particularly in light of past election-related challenges.
Moreover, he encouraged Tanzanians to recognise and appreciate the significant progress the country has made, especially in areas such as infrastructure development, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), healthcare and tourism.
“We should also reflect on the many positive strides our country has made. Too often we focus only on criticism and overlook the progress. From new roads and improved healthcare to the SGR and initiatives like The Royal Tour, which has boosted tourism and revenue we must acknowledge what has been achieved.”
Rev Mameo further called on Tanzanians to continue nurturing national unity that will sustain and strengthen the nation.
For his part, Bishop Lusajo Mwangomile of the Ifakara Baptist Church reminded Christians on their chosen path, which they have embraced, insisting that Jesus Christ as the right choice for their lives.
Meanwhile, the Tanzania Episcopal Conference Secretary General, Dr Charles Kitima, encouraged Christians to self-reflect, redirect their will toward God and being good example in the society to testify Jesus.
He reminded them to understand how loved they are by God and how precious humankind is, which is why He sent Jesus Christ to share in humanity and die on the cross for their salvation.
“We are placed under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who reminds us of what is right to pursue and what we should leave behind, enabling us to live by the truth that Jesus exemplified on the cross,” he said.
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