PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has assured the public that the next general election will be free and fair, where all laws relating to the election process will be followed.

Addressing the national Idd Baraza as the Julius Nyerere International Conference Centre (JNICC) the president highlighted reforms carried out to enhance the electoral system, including setting up an independent National Election Commission to oversee the process and guarantee transparency and fairness.

The commission will ensure that elections are conducted peacefully and equitably, she said, cautioning that the government will take action against anyone found promoting violence or discord under the guise of exercising their right to freedom of speech or worship.

The government will not stand idle while individuals attempt to harm the nation’s peace take strong measures against anyone who seeks to stir unrest, she said, expressing gratitude to religious leaders for intense efforts for safeguarding the nation’s peace, by avoiding any sermons or teachings that may disrupt social harmony.

She said that the government will remain committed to upholding constitutional principles, particularly the freedom of Tanzanians to worship and practice their religion, making it clear that the right to worship is not a cover for spreading hate or fomenting division.

“We are committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every Tanzanian, and we will not hesitate to carry out our duties,” she declared, citing the dictum that “he who fears the child crying will be the one to cry.” The government is not prepared to wait for trouble to arise, she emphasized.

 “Religious platforms should not be used for political gains or to incite conflict,” she insisted. “In times of conflict and disturbance, no one wins – it only leads to loss for all involved.”

The president appealed to religious leaders to reaffirm the cardinal importance of peace, in view of the powerful influence they have in shaping mindsets among the people.

That the country has remained peaceful and united has plenty to do with the role religious leaders play, taking up the responsibility of promoting and protecting peace and security in the country, she emphasized.

Religious leaders need to educate their congregations on the importance of exercising their right to vote and participate in the democratic process, she further noted.

She told the gathering that the government is in the final stages to secure the permits needed to allow pilgrims to use Air Tanzania flights to reach Mecca for the pilgrimage, with an ATCL Boeing 737-9 being prepared for the trips.

Mufti Sheikh Abubakar Zubeir bin Ally called on the Muslim community to maintain peace and unity as that is crucial for all welfare concerns.

He said the country must be thankful for the peace and pray for it to be maintained, he urged, demanding that imams should not entertain ideas that hold peace in abeyance, since “if things go wrong, there will be no place for people to escape.”

Muslims need to focus on promoting Islam and development, sidestepping actions that sow divisions, he added.