The Media Accreditation Board has reiterated the need for journalists in Tanzania to uphold professional ethics and legal requirements as the country prepares for the October 2025 General Election.
The reminder is anchored in Section 13(a) and (b) of the Media Services Act, Chapter 229 (2023 Edition), which mandates the Board to accredit journalists and oversee compliance with journalism ethics nationwide.
In recent weeks, the Board has taken action against journalists who continue to appear on radio and television programmes in violation of the law and the code of conduct.
These include individuals practicing journalism without registration through the TAI HABARI system and those who, despite declaring political ambitions, remain active in journalistic work raising serious concerns about conflict of interest and impartiality.
The Board has issued clear directives aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the media and ensuring fairness during the election period.
Firstly, journalists who have declared their candidacy for political positions must immediately step away from all media-related activities for the duration of the election process.
This directive is intended to prevent conflicts of interest, maintain public trust in media institutions, and ensure a level playing field for all candidates.
Participation in journalism while vying for public office contravenes Rule 12(g) of the Political Parties Election Broadcasting Regulations (Government Notice No. 775 of September 18, 2020).
Secondly, all journalists operating in electronic and print media without proper accreditation from the Board must cease media activities until they are formally registered via the TAI HABARI system.
Section 19 of the Media Services Act clearly prohibits any individual from practicing journalism without official accreditation, and violations of this provision will not be tolerated.
The Board has reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the conduct of media practitioners throughout the country and warned that it will not hesitate to take legal measures, including naming those who breach the law and professional standards.
This renewed enforcement drive aims to ensure that the media contributes positively to democracy, peace, and justice as the nation enters a critical electoral period.