The District Commissioner of Lushoto, Zephania Sumaye, has led a special peace forum held at Nyerere Square, aimed at praying for the nation and the Lushoto District ahead of the upcoming General Election scheduled for October 29, 2025.
Speaking before religious leaders, government officials, and residents, Hon. Sumaye emphasized that peace is the foundation of any nation’s prosperity and must be safeguarded at all costs.
He noted that the Lushoto District administration has put in place strong measures to ensure that the election process is conducted in a calm and secure environment.
He further stressed that every citizen has a duty to be an ambassador of peace, reminding them that elections should not be a time for conflict but an opportunity to participate in a democratic process with respect and love.
Sumaye urged political leaders to lead by example by avoiding hate speech and divisive rhetoric that could threaten social harmony.
“Let us build our arguments on development issues, not words that break our unity. The peace of this nation is a legacy we inherited from our founding fathers we must not compromise it for short-term political interests,” he said.
The District Commissioner also called upon religious leaders to continue praying for the nation and educating their congregations on the importance of maintaining peace throughout the campaign and voting periods.
He stated that prayer is a powerful weapon that can unite citizens regardless of their religious or political differences.
Sumaye further encouraged the youth to channel their energy toward development rather than being used to disrupt peace.
“Our youth are the backbone of the nation. You must be part of the solution, not the source of conflict. Let’s use social media to promote peace and educate the public, not to spread hate,” he added.
He also urged all residents of Lushoto to cooperate with security and defense agencies to maintain a peaceful environment before, during, and after the elections.
According to him, such cooperation will help Lushoto District remain a model of peace and stability in the country.
Sumaye thanked all religious and government leaders who participated in the event, encouraging them to continue praying and engaging in dialogues that promote peace.
The forum ended with a special prayer for the nation, led by the District Commissioner himself.