By Charles Mkoka
Retired Judge Joseph Sinde Warioba has spoken out about the recent local government elections in Tanzania, urging caution as the country approaches the 2025 General Election.
In his remarks, Warioba reflected on Tanzania's long history of elections, dating back to the early 1960s, when the country first saw citizens voting for their leaders.
He emphasized that elections have always been an essential part of Tanzania’s democratic journey, with the principle that "elections are the health of the people" central to the nation’s political evolution.
Warioba highlighted that, despite the progress Tanzania has made in the electoral process, challenges remain. He recalled how elections, initially under a single-party system, gradually evolved to include referendums and local elections.
However, he expressed concerns about ongoing issues such as fake votes, which he believes continue to plague the election process, citing the 2019 elections and this year’s local government elections as examples.
"We are fooling ourselves if we believe in fake votes," Warioba warned, stressing that such manipulations create a dangerous environment ahead of the 2025 General Election.
He raised alarm about the process of submitting candidate forms and how these uncertainties and manipulations undermine the credibility of the election process.
The retired judge also called attention to the growing hostility between political parties, a situation that, he believes, has worsened in recent years.
Reflecting on Tanzania’s past, Warioba recalled how political divisions and unrest, particularly in the 2000s, had led to dangerous confrontations and protests that endangered people’s lives and property.
He emphasized the importance of peace and unity in politics, pointing out that the use of force and militarization of politics is counterproductive and harmful to the nation's democracy.
He expressed concern about the involvement of the police in political matters, which he believes has caused divisions among the people.
While acknowledging President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s efforts to promote political dialogue, he pointed out that a special body to address these issues has yet to be established due to resistance from some quarters.
Warioba also touched upon the challenges candidates face, including threats to their safety, which have become more pronounced in recent elections.
The retired Judge called for a collective effort to address these issues and highlighted the need for political leaders to set aside their differences for the good of the nation.
In his remarks, Warioba underscored the significance of the country's Constitution, noting that the failure to update it on time has contributed to some of the current problems.
He called for bold action to address these issues, including constitutional reforms and ensuring the independence of government institutions such as the judiciary and parliament.
In his remarks, Warioba acknowledged the strides made since Tanzania first embraced elections in the early 1960s, emphasizing that "elections are the health of the people" and remain a vital part of the nation's political evolution.
Nevertheless, he warned that political loyalty, when taken to extremes, can undermine the values that sustain the country’s democracy. "Political loyalty, when taken to extremes, can undermine the very values that sustain our democracy," he said.
He expressed deep concern about the growing concentration of power in the hands of a few, urging for a return to the principles of unity, respect, and fairness that Tanzania was built upon. "The growing concentration of power is a threat to our democratic principles. We must return to the values of unity, respect, and fairness to navigate the challenges ahead," he cautioned.
As Tanzania prepares for the 2025 elections, Warioba called on all citizens to look back at the lessons of the past and work together to ensure a peaceful and credible election process.
"As we approach the 2025 elections, I urge every Tanzanian to reflect on the lessons of the past. Let us work together to ensure that our elections are peaceful, credible, and transparent," he said.
He stressed that the strength of the nation lies in its unity and solidarity, underscoring the importance of upholding democratic principles. "The strength of our nation lies in its unity, solidarity, and respect for democratic principles. Without these, we risk losing the very foundation of our democracy," Warioba emphasized.
Despite stepping back from active politics, Warioba has remained a vocal advocate for Tanzania’s future, always ready to share his insights. "I have always spoken my mind without fear because I believe true democracy can only thrive when we embrace transparency, accountability, and respect for one another," he stated.
Warioba also touched on the importance of dialogue and cooperation between political parties. He called for spaces where political differences could be set aside for the greater good of the country, stressing that only through unity could Tanzania move forward. "We need to create spaces for dialogue, where political differences are set aside for the sake of the nation. Only then can we move forward as one."
His career, spanning several decades, has seen him serve in key government positions, including as Chief Justice and Prime Minister. Warioba is widely regarded for his integrity and courage, particularly during moments of political tension.
He played an instrumental role in Tanzania’s political evolution, particularly during the transition from a single-party state to a multi-party democracy. Warioba's frankness, especially regarding electoral issues, has earned him admiration, yet his willingness to challenge the status quo has also made him a controversial figure.
Despite stepping away from the public eye, he has never hesitated to offer advice and critique, believing that true democracy can only thrive when leaders and citizens alike embrace transparency, accountability, and respect for one another.
His reflections on the current state of Tanzanian politics and his call for unity and reform are rooted in a deep commitment to the country's future, shaped by years of public service and personal conviction.