AS Tanzania gears up for its General Election on October 29 this year, a collective call has been issued to citizens to protect peace, remain vigilant against inflammatory language and participate in prayers for a harmonious electoral process. This concerted effort aims to maintain the nation's spiritual, social, and economic cohesion.

Speaking at a press conference in Dodoma yesterday, Pastor Thomas Godda, Director of the Inter Religious Council for Peace Tanzania (IRCPT), urged politicians and the general public to exercise caution in their words and actions as the election approaches. He underscored the paramount importance of preserving peace within their respective communities.

Pastor Godda’s remarks precede a national peace dialogue scheduled for today in Dodoma. This dialogue will convene various election stakeholders to discuss and educate participants on the crucial need to uphold national peace.

"Stakeholders from politics, religious groups, youth, women, people with disabilities and institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs will participate in this dialogue to ensure every group safeguards peace," he stated.

He further cautioned that some countries have plunged into severe conflicts due to their elections, emphasizing the need for every group to collaborate in preserving the existing tranquillity. Pastor Godda noted that IRCPT consistently coordinates such dialogues ahead of every election, working closely with religious leaders who wield significant influence over citizens through their places of worship.

Edna Mdoe, Head of Women’s Desk at IRCPT, appealed specifically to women to be at the forefront of promoting peace within their families and communities. "When violence erupts, women and children are the primary victims. We have often seen women fleeing with children on their backs, carrying burdens as they seek refuge. We must constantly remind family members about the importance of peace," she said.

Ustadh Phille Philip, a representative of Muslim Council of Tanzania (BAKWATA), advised youth to use social media wisely. He highlighted how these platforms have, at times, been misused to incite violence and discord.

"Tanzanians have a culture of listening to each other. If we use social media properly, we can educate, warn, and collaborate in building a cohesive nation. Let's refrain from abusive or inflammatory language," he stressed.

In a separate event, Archbishop Dr. Evance Chande of the Karmel Assemblies of God (K.A.G) Church, speaking at a gathering that included special prayers for the election at the church grounds in Ipagala, Dodoma, exhorted Tanzanians to continue praying to God for the nation to choose capable leaders wisely.

"We are heading towards a General Election for President, Members of Parliament, and Ward Councillors. We must humbly ask for leaders who bring development to the nation instead of divisions," he said.

He underscored the vital role of religious leaders in setting an example by guiding their congregants to pray for and preach peace, rather than engaging in inflammatory debates. The Archbishop also called on youth to resist manipulation by politicians with personal agenda, urging them instead to turn out in large numbers to vote peacefully and serve as guardians of the nation's stability.

The appeals from religious leaders come at a critical juncture as the nation approaches its General Election, with political preparations gaining momentum. The collective efforts to ensure a peaceful and secure electoral process are deemed essential for Tanzania's continued stability and progress.