The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has called on digital content creators and bloggers to act responsibly and avoid publishing inflammatory content that could fuel tensions as the country heads toward the 2025 General Election.
Addressing online media stakeholders on August 3, 2025, during a special session organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), TCRA’s Manager of Broadcasting Services, Engineer Andrew Kisaka, urged content creators to embrace ethical journalism and prioritize national unity.
“Bloggers must demonstrate patriotism by producing content that supports peace and stability, especially during election season. If a piece of content is likely to cause panic or provoke violence, it is better left unpublished,” said Kisaka.
He emphasized that election periods often carry heightened risks of division, misinformation, and incitement, warning that careless reporting can contribute to social unrest.
Drawing lessons from past election-related violence in Kenya (2007) and Nigeria (2011), Kisaka noted that more than 1,000 lives were lost in Kenya and over 800 in Nigeria, with hundreds of thousands displaced, largely due to politically driven propaganda and unverified information.
“In tense electoral environments, media can unintentionally become a tool for escalation. Bloggers must take extra caution to verify facts, avoid political bias, and steer clear of inflammatory language,” he said.
Kisaka stressed that rumors remain one of the leading drivers of electoral violence.
"Rumors fuel retaliation and chaos. That’s why content creators must act as filters, not amplifiers. They must verify every piece of information and communicate with accuracy and integrity," he explained.
He also cautioned against the use of provocative headlines or sensational quotes from politicians that might stir public emotions.
“Do not give airtime to hate speech or reproduce incendiary remarks just because they attract clicks. Sensationalism has real-world consequences. Misleading or emotionally charged headlines can become flashpoints for violence,” he warned.
On the issue of livestreaming campaign events, Kisaka urged bloggers to avoid broadcasting political rallies without editorial oversight.
“Live coverage of rallies especially in volatile contexts should only be handled by senior, experienced journalists. It should never be a one-man operation where safety, accuracy and responsibility are not guaranteed,” he added.
Kisaka further advised media outlets to avoid showing violent or graphic images that could inflame tensions and said broadcasters must be prepared to suspend live programming if a situation deteriorates.
The session is part of a broader nationwide effort to build awareness among online content creators and ensure the 2025 elections are conducted peacefully.
Bloggers were reminded that they are key players in shaping public perception and must contribute to national stability.
“We are counting on you to be part of the solution, not the problem,” said Kisaka. “Patriotism in the digital age means knowing when to speak, how to speak, and most importantly, when to stay silent.”
TCRA’s message reflects the government’s growing recognition of the influence of digital media in shaping electoral narratives.
As the country inches closer to the ballot, authorities hope to see bloggers and online platforms acting as responsible partners in safeguarding Tanzania’s peace and democratic progress.