NO individual or political party has the authority to prevent the general election from being held, as it is a constitutional mandate, the ruling party has declared.

Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, the CCM secretary general, made this assertion yesterday when opening the Tanzania Editors’ Forum (TEF) general meeting, stressing that the polls scheduled for late October, will take place regardless of some party’s stance.

Desisting from citing the opposition-Chadema’s 'No Reforms, No Election' rallyiing cry, he affirmed that the constitution allows elections to proceed with or without the participation of every party.

“Our country has a long-standing tradition of holding elections every five years, a practice we have maintained since 1960. Once the election year arrives, no one, not even those in high office at the moment,” he said, explaining that .no one has the power to cancel it. “The election is a constitutional requirement,” he told the audience.

The presidential, parliamentary and local government elections would be held as scheduled, he said, acknowledging that every citizen has the right to vote along with the right to seek being elected, he said that no political party can be forced to participate in the election. 

It is within Chadema’s rights to boycott the election if they choose, without facing pressure to participate, he said, suggesting that here is no need to force Chadema to take part in the elections. 

“While we have citizens and CCM members encouraging them to join, they have the constitutional right to abstain. There will be more elections in the future, including in 2030, 2035, and beyond. So, if they choose to abstain, it is their right,” he asserted.

He told the senior editorial practitioners to be mindful of the power they wield as journalists. “Sometimes, not everything should be reported. If someone makes foolish remarks, do not give them undue attention. The role of the media in fostering national cohesion and stability cannot be overstated,” he emphasised.

Khamis Mwinjuma, the Information, Culture, Arts and Sports deputy minister, echoed those remarks, calling for responsible media coverage. He urged editors to promote the cause of encourage peaceful elections and ensure that citizen participation is prioritized. He reminded editors that life continues after the election, and a peaceful election process is crucial for the country’s well-being, underlining that Tanzanians trust President Samia. 

Stressing his conviction that CCM will emerge victorious in the polls, he said that under the president’s leadership, significant strides have been made particularly in media freedom.

TEF chairman Deodatus Balile commended the establishment of the Media Accreditation Council, already set out in the 2016 Media Services Act.

He pointed at the challenges posed by an unpredictable media economy, appealing for policies that would economically empower media outlets similar to initiatives in other countries.