The Mwanza Regional Peace Committee, in collaboration with leaders from all faiths—both Christian and Muslim—has underscored that peace remains the most powerful weapon for maintaining national stability, especially as the country approaches the General Election scheduled for October 29 this year.

In its official statement, the Committee called on all citizens to turn out in large numbers to vote freely, fairly, and peacefully, choosing leaders who will continue to build Tanzania on the foundations of peace, love, and development.

Reading the statement during an interfaith peace symposium held in Mwanza today, the Co-Chairperson of the Mwanza Regional Peace Committee, Charles Sekelwa, urged citizens to exercise their constitutional right to vote for the President, Members of Parliament, and Councillors with love, wisdom, and responsibility.

He emphasized that after casting their votes, citizens should return home peacefully, avoiding any form of violence or hate speech, to preserve the nation’s positive image.

“We shall continue praying and interceding, asking God to bless Tanzania and grant us wisdom, unity, and peace throughout and beyond the election period,” said Sekelwa.

He added that it is vital for everyone to remember that peace is the cornerstone of development, unity is strength, and love is the solution to every challenge. He further urged Tanzanians to pray for all those overseeing the electoral process so that God may grant them wisdom, integrity, and honesty as they carry out their duties for the benefit of the nation.

Religious Leaders Stress the Importance of Peace

With just nine days left before the election, Mwanza Regional Sheikh Hassan Kabeke urged residents to uphold peace and recognize the importance of exercising their constitutional right to vote.

He said peace would enable the nation to navigate the election period and its aftermath safely, stressing the need for citizens to elect the right leaders who will sustain and promote peace.

Sekelwa reiterated that voting is the right of every Tanzanian and encouraged Mwanza residents—and all Tanzanians—to carefully evaluate candidates’ policies before voting.

“On October 29, let us all come out in large numbers to vote. We should not be discouraged from participating in the election—doing so would be wrong. Let us also avoid spoiling our votes,” he emphasized.

He added that the Mwanza Regional Peace Committee will continue promoting free and fair voting and encouraging citizens to return home peacefully after casting their ballots.

Another committee member, Upendo Isaya, said that when people are at peace in their hearts, they make wise decisions. She encouraged all eligible voters to participate, as doing so not only fulfills their constitutional right but also helps safeguard national peace.

Government Leaders Call for Calm

Former Minister Lazaro Nyalandu called on religious leaders to continue uniting in prayer for the nation during this election period. He urged all Tanzanians to turn out in large numbers to vote, reminding them that peace is the pillar of development, unity is strength, and love is the solution to every problem.

Meanwhile, Mwanza Regional Commissioner Said Mtanda assured residents that the security situation in the region remains stable and that the government is fully prepared to ensure citizens vote peacefully and without fear.

 “The government is on duty. We are well-prepared to protect citizens and their property and to ensure the country enters and completes the electoral process peacefully and safely,” Mtanda said.