Africa-Press – Tanzania. AS Tanzania heads to the polls on October 29, political parties are once again at the centre of shaping the nation’s democratic spirit especially among the youth.
With young people forming the majority of the population, parties play a crucial role in nurturing their political awareness, leadership and ethics. Yet, as campaigns intensify, one message must rise above all: Peace.
A peaceful election is the surest path to protecting Tanzania’s unity, progress and the aspirations of its young generation.
Political analysts and youth leaders have called on Tanzanians to stay united and maintain peace before, during and after the election stressing that only a peaceful nation can continue on the path of growth and prosperity.
Speaking to the Daily News, a political analyst, Thomas Kibwana said political parties have the responsibility to cultivate a culture of clean politics especially during campaigning, where candidates promote their party policies while establishing a foundation for responsive politics among young leaders.
He warned that if parties engage in hateful and divisive politics, it signals a breakdown of democracy and peace, as they will struggle for tolerance and find common ground.
Mr Kibwana said politicians have a crucial role in fostering democratic awareness, as they are the candidates and policymakers.
He said their actions and behaviors serve as models for young people.
He encourages youth to reflect on their actions and decisions, stressing that democratic processes require order based on party policies, laws and ethics rather than emotions.
Political parties also play an important role in instilling national values and ethics among youth.
These parties embed principles such as patriotism, integrity and accountability, which are often outlined in their constitutions.
Mr Kibwana explained that political parties promote the national values enshrined in the National Youth Development Policy, encouraging youth to uphold ethics in their political engagements.
“This emphasis on ethical conduct helps reduce corruption and fosters trust in the political system. By instilling these values, political parties nurture a sense of belonging and responsibility among youth, aligning their efforts with national development objectives,” he said.
“To ensure meaningful youth involvement, political parties assign youth roles in key decision-making levels. Youth are included in party executive committees, appear on electoral candidate lists, and participate in policy formulation teams.”
He insisted that the inclusion not only gives youth the chance to contribute directly to decision-making processes but also provides them with valuable governance experience and that such participation is vital for developing a cadre of young leaders who understand the intricacies of political management and can contribute effectively to Tanzania’s democratic institutions.
The Executive Secretary for Youth Connect Tanzania, Soba Sang’anya, asserted that political parties must equip youth to effectively use their democratic freedoms by understanding democracy itself.
He advises them not to be swayed by popular opinion or the whims of social media.
Mr Sang’anya highlighted that every aspect of the democratic process is grounded in law and order, urging youth to avoid engaging in politics that threaten national peace or incite social unrest, which contradicts democratic principles.
He insisted on the importance of conducting clean campaigns that respect the values and language of Tanzanian society.
Moreover, he stressed that youth should be informed about the significance of tolerance and perseverance as key tools for building a better society. Voters and candidates alike must embrace these principles to prevent division.
“During electoral discussions, youth should recognise the importance of campaigning based on understanding the agenda presented by candidates through their parties,” he said.
“Political leaders, whether from the government or opposition, play a critical role in promoting peace and should remember that their followers are influenced by their words and actions.”
A veteran Historian and a senior citizen Mohammed Said recalling Tanzania’s founding president, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, said he believed in youth as the nation’s workforce, advising leaders to be honest and condemn corruption.
He stresses the duty of leaders to ensure justice in serving the people, as justice fosters peace and sustains democracy.
“Nyerere’s legacy serves as a model for current leaders to emulate, particularly his willingness to relinquish power, exemplifying true democratic values,” he said.
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