In a powerful Easter vigil sermon delivered just after midnight on Sunday, April 20, 2025, the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lindi, Wolfgang Pisa, made an impassioned plea for the government to initiate urgent and inclusive electoral reforms ahead of the general elections scheduled for October this year.
Speaking at St. Andrew Kaggwa Church in Lindi during the Holy Saturday Easter vigil, Bishop Pisa — who also serves as the President of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) — emphasized that peace must be safeguarded not by silence but by addressing the nation’s growing concerns over electoral credibility and political repression.
“We must ask ourselves,” he said, “who threatens peace more — those who insist elections must proceed under a flawed system, or those urging dialogue to reform that very system so it can deliver just and truthful leadership?”
His remarks come at a time when political tensions are rising, following the April 9, 2025, arrest of national opposition leader Tundu Lissu, chairman of the opposition party Chadema. Lissu was detained in Mbinga District, Ruvuma Region, while promoting the “No Reforms, No Election” campaign. He was later transferred to Dar es Salaam and charged with treason.
Calling the arrests of political figures unjust, Bishop Pisa stated, “Those arrested for demanding reforms — including opposition leaders — must be released immediately and unconditionally. No one else should be harassed for standing up for justice.”
The bishop's call aligns with growing demands from civil society and international observers for Tanzania to ensure that electoral processes are transparent, participatory, and reflect the will of the people.
He outlined four key proposals for the government and relevant institutions, urging them to engage all election stakeholders in meaningful dialogue that would lead to essential changes in the system before October.
“Voices and cries of many must be heard,” he emphasized. “Flaws identified in previous elections must be corrected quickly. If there’s genuine political will, there is still time to implement necessary changes before the general election.”
Citing persistent concerns from the 2019, 2020, and 2024 elections — all marred by allegations of irregularities and undemocratic practices — Bishop Pisa questioned the credibility of the current electoral system. He noted that just months after the local government elections held in November 2024, the issues raised then remain unresolved.
“How do you assure the citizen that this upcoming election will be free and fair?” he asked. “We already have proposals on the formation of an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). They must be implemented without delay.”
He warned that any interference with democratic institutions would erode public trust and ultimately harm the country. “Democracy dies when people are not allowed to choose freely. Dictators don’t allow elections because they fear losing. And when they do allow them, they manipulate systems to stay in power. We are not there yet in Tanzania — let’s not go there,” he cautioned.
Addressing the broader implications of democracy, Bishop Pisa reminded the congregation that the authority of any government in a democratic society stems from legitimate electoral processes. “In true democracy, leaders must be accountable to the voters. The ballot is a powerful tool — it should not be stolen from the people.”
As Tanzania counts down to the 2025 general election, Bishop Pisa’s Easter message has stirred debate and brought renewed urgency to the issue of electoral reform. His moral voice adds significant weight to calls for a peaceful and inclusive process — one that respects the rule of law and honors the democratic rights of all citizens.
“We pray for our nation,” he concluded, “that it remains peaceful and led by just, patriotic leaders.”