Religious leaders attentively followed a speech by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan (not pictured), during a meeting with various religious leaders held on March 2, 2022, at the State House in Dar es Salaam. Photo: File
By Adonis Byemelwa
Religious leaders in Tanzania have sounded the alarm over mounting concerns in the ongoing local government elections, urging the Ministry of Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG) to guarantee transparency and fairness as the process enters its critical stages. They have pointed to a series of irregularities that threaten the credibility of the elections, which are vital for grassroots governance.
At the heart of their concerns is the exclusion of opposition candidates due to what they describe as trivial technicalities, including minor spelling errors, incomplete addresses, or insufficient party endorsements at local levels. Such issues, they argue, not only undermine democratic principles but also disenfranchise citizens eager for meaningful representation in local councils.
The leaders stressed that these elections, scheduled for November 27, are a litmus test for Tanzania’s democratic values. They called for swift interventions to restore public confidence, warning that failure to address these challenges could have far-reaching implications for the nation's peace and stability, which rely heavily on inclusive governance.
Religious organizations voicing these concerns include the National Muslim Council of Tanzania (Bakwata), the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), the Christian Council of Tanzania (CCT), and the Council of Islamic Organizations and Institutions in Tanzania.
In response to widespread complaints about candidate disqualifications, PO-RALG Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa extended the deadline for appeals to today, Friday, November 15, until 6:00 p.m., from the earlier date of November 13. District committees were instructed to review all candidates' forms.
In a statement today, November 15, TEC President Bishop Wolfgang Pisa urged that the upcoming November 27 elections adhere to principles of transparency, freedom, and fairness without favoritism. TEC emphasized that the process must respect citizens' authority in electing their leaders through legitimate voting.
“The election must ensure that the democratic rights of citizens are upheld. PO-RALG must take its responsibility seriously to guarantee that the entire voting process aligns with democratic principles, ensuring that those who legitimately win are declared,” he said.
He added that election supervisors must conduct themselves impartially. “A leader who gains power through coercion, deceit, or illegitimate means cannot command trust or uphold democratic principles. Such leaders often resort to force and deceit in their governance,” said Bishop Pisa. He warned against elections tainted by malpractice, urging that the country avoid any potential unrest caused by flawed electoral processes.
TEC emphasized that local governments are vital to development, enabling citizens to participate in decision-making and holding leaders accountable. “People drive genuine development at the grassroots, and this requires good leaders chosen through fair elections,” he said.
Bakwata Secretary General Alhaj Nuhu Mruma echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of justice in the electoral process to maintain peace. “At Bakwata, we believe in educating and correcting candidates rather than disqualifying them, to ensure they meet the qualifications to run,” he stated.
Speaking on behalf of the Council of Islamic Organizations and Institutions, Sheikh Ponda Issa Ponda stressed the need for fairness and professionalism. “We have expressed concerns about this election from the beginning. It appears to mirror the challenges of the 2019 and 2020 elections. However, we urge the authorities to respect the people's will in the remaining steps.”
The Christian Council of Tanzania (CCT), in its November 14 statement, raised red flags about critical issues plaguing the local elections process, including irregularities in voter registration, unjust disqualifications of candidates, logistical challenges in accessing nomination forms, and troubling reports of politically motivated violence.
CCT Chairperson Bishop Fredrick Shoo called for an urgent voter register audit to guarantee transparency and accuracy. He stressed that an independent electoral commission should oversee the process to prevent bias and ensure credibility.
"Supervisors must act within the law, and deliberate negligence must be addressed to rebuild public trust," said Bishop Shoo, warning that delays in announcing results could further undermine confidence in the elections.
The leaders collectively urged Tanzanians to participate actively in the elections on November 27, exercising their democratic rights while preserving peace. Their call serves as a crucial reminder that credible elections are the cornerstone of stability. Any failure to uphold fairness risks fostering public disillusionment, threatening Tanzania's long-standing reputation as a beacon of peace in the region.
