CUF presidential candidate Gombo Samandito has issued an impassioned call to all Tanzanians to turn out in large numbers and cast their votes without fear or intimidation.

Speaking in Morogoro yesterday, Samandito stressed that citizens must utilize their ballots to determine the nation's destiny rather than allowing themselves to be swayed by money or propaganda aimed at demoralizing them.

“People should not be afraid; they must come out peacefully and in large numbers and choose leaders of integrity, not leaders bought by corruption. Choose me as your president,” he said.

The candidate acknowledged that the competitive political landscape has been negatively affected by corruption, admitting that his own party faced internal challenges. He revealed that some of the party’s candidates and agents withdrew at the last minute due to what he termed “financial inducements.”

Samandito further exposed a deliberate tactic where some candidates, after registering in certain constituencies, intentionally align themselves with rivals only to withdraw later, after allegedly receiving cash payments from candidates of opposing parties who wish to clear the field.

“This deceit is harmful to competitive politics and degrading to the citizens. Yet, citizens who complain daily about countless challenges in their areas are the ones who must take action to effect change,” he said, placing the ultimate responsibility for change back in the hands of the electorate.

In a major policy announcement, Samandito promised Tanzanians that if he succeeds in reaching the State House, he will initiate constitutional amendments designed to enforce term limits on any political party holding power for an extended period. This proposal aims to institutionalize democratic turnover and prevent long-term political stagnation.

Alongside constitutional reform, Samandito promised to take steps against institutionalized corruption. He pledged to dissolve the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) and establish a new, independent body with genuine authority and the necessary resources to effectively wage war against graft.

“This country needs institutions of accountability, not institutions of fear. It is unacceptable that these bodies fail to take action by arresting the clear perpetrators of corruption, yet they end up merely travelling in the motorcades of those very same leaders,” he said, arguing that the anti-corruption body must be truly autonomous and empowered.

Samandito’s address is interpreted as a final political invitation for voters to use their ballots as the primary instrument for change. He strongly called for peaceful elections and massive public participation in the upcoming polls next Wednesday, promising a future built on genuine competition, integrity and responsive governance.