THE Christian Council of Tanzania (CCT) has asked the government to address public concerns on corruption and the independence of the electoral commission, to make the forthcoming general election late October free, fair and peaceful.

The Rt. Rev. Jacob Mameo ole Paulo, the ELCT bishop and CCT Morogoro regional chairman, said at a Good Friday sermon yesterday that the religious body wishes that political parties avoid actions that could lead to conflict or compromise national unity.

Presiding over the special occasion prayers at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), Ifakara Parish, in the Ulanga Kilombero diocese, he emphasised on the need for the government to respond to citizens’ concerns regarding the impartiality of the electoral commission to prevent national division.

“Democracy means allowing people the freedom to choose leaders based on policies presented during the campaign period. Concerns about the independence of the commission are not new — they have surfaced in past elections as well. A credible election is one where defeat is accepted as fair,” he declared.

He urged political parties to act responsibly and avoid inciting unnecessary conflict, stressing that “Good Friday events like crucifixion and the tearing of the temple curtain symbolised reconciliation — a spirit the nation should embrace.”

He warned that some groups were pressuring the government into actions that could incite unrest and create division, endangering peace, advising the government to welcome constructive criticism and address its shortcomings to promote national development.

“If we allow conflict and division to take root, we risk creating opportunities for the country’s enemies to destabilise us,” he said. “We did not gain our independence through bloodshed and we should not allow our children’s blood to be shed over political issues.”

Citizens must be free to elect leaders of their choosing without coercion or suppression of other parties, he stated, asserting that the country must honour the spirit of multiparty democracy by ensuring people can vote freely.

Bishop ole Paulo similarly dwelt on the problem of corruption, particularly during election periods, saying it is repeatedly castigated by people of all quarters and religions. He urged Tanzanians to acknowledge the progress the government has brought about, reminding the public that no government can solve all problems overnight.

He also cautioned presidential aides against misleading the Head of State, underlining that dishonesty in reporting on development projects hinders the country’s progress.

Rev. Canon Moses Matonya, the CCT secretary general, echoed the call for prayers, stressing that the election season often brings challenges that can threaten national harmony.

All eligible voters need to register and verify their information to ensure their right to vote is used wisely, in selecting candidates based on merit and capability rather than party affiliation, he stated.

He also warned against electing candidates who offer bribes to gain support. “Accepting bribes is selling your dignity and forfeiting your right to choose leaders with integrity,” he declared.

“We adopted a multiparty system to give citizens a voice. Let us use that voice to elect patriotic leaders who are committed to selfless service,” he emphasized, encouraging capable citizens to run for office.

Fresh leadership and new ideas are essential to drive positive change in society, the leading clergyman intoned.