Africa-Press – Tanzania. VICE-PRESIDENT Dr Philip Mpango has directed the police force to forge close collaboration with all election stakeholders to ensure justice for all and prevent misunderstandings during the upcoming General Election.
Dr Mpango made the remarks yesterday while opening the Annual General Meeting of senior officers of the police force, currently underway in Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region.
He underscored several priority areas for cooperation, including ensuring that campaign rallies are held only at authorised venues and within scheduled timeframes, preventing unauthorised demonstrations and safeguarding candidates and political party leaders regardless of their affiliation or ideology.
He also stressed the need to control large crowds so that other social and economic activities continue without disruption.
“It is crucial for the Police Force, including community policing units, to work closely with the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PORALG) in maintaining security, particularly at ward, shehia, village and street levels,” he said.
The Vice-President also urged the Police Force to strengthen collaboration with the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) and other government agencies in preparing to use Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to monitor and address inflammatory content disseminated through social media and other channels.
“With the use of artificial intelligence, some individuals may circulate fake images or videos of political candidates, which could have a serious impact on peace and stability,” Dr Mpango warned.
“The Police Force must be fully prepared to conduct online patrols to detect and analyse posts, images and videos that show signs of legal violations and take swift legal action.”
“The General Election is critical to our country’s progress. As law enforcers, you must ensure that voters participate peacefully throughout the entire electoral process,” he said.
Representing President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan at the meeting, the Vice-President instructed the Police to deploy their IT experts to curb the spread of misinformation capable of causing unrest.
“As we approach the General Elections, there will be people who share content aimed at disrupting the peace we currently enjoy. Use your IT expertise to identify them so that legal measures can be taken,” he said.
He further urged the Force to work hand-in-hand with the Prevention and Combating Corruption Bureau (PCCB) to curb electoral corruption, warning that dishonest leaders could hinder the country’s progress.
“If you act decisively, we will have honest leaders who know how to work with the government in managing national resources for the benefit of all Tanzanians,” he stressed.
Dr Mpango assured that the government remains committed to strengthening the Police Force so that it can continue safeguarding national peace.
Earlier, when welcoming the Vice-President, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Daniel Sillo said the ministry, through its various institutions, has prepared measures to ensure the 2025 General Election is conducted in peace and tranquility.
On his part, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Camilius Wambura thanked the government and President Samia for their continued support in strengthening the force.
That, he said, has enabled officers to serve with more efficiency and professionalism.
“We are grateful to the President and her government for equipping us with reliable resources, including ICT facilities. We are now able to carry out our duties with a high degree of professionalism,” IGP Wambura said.
He explained that the ongoing meeting, themed “Peace, Tranquility and Security Before, During and After the 2025 General Election”, will address both professional development and specific strategies to ensure that this year’s elections, scheduled for October 29, are peaceful.
“The Police Force recognises that Tanzanians have the right to express themselves through the ballot. I appeal to all citizens to cooperate with us to ensure that peace prevails throughout the electoral process,” he added.
During the event, IGP Wambura presented Dr Mpango with a special award dedicated to President Samia, titled “The Philosophy of Good Leadership”.
The award, he explained, symbolises the Force’s appreciation of the President’s commitment to nation-building and her tireless service to Tanzanians.
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