Tanzanians have been urged to participate peacefully in tomorrow’s general elections, with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) reaffirming that the polls are fully constitutional and lawful.
Attorney General Hamza Johari emphasized that the country’s five-year leadership term has concluded as stipulated by the Constitution, making the elections both legitimate and timely.
“All presidential, parliamentary, and councillorship candidates were nominated in full compliance with the law. Tomorrow’s election is therefore constitutional and legitimate,” Mr Johari told reporters in Dodoma, dismissing social media claims suggesting otherwise.
The Attorney General described calls to postpone the elections as misleading and unconstitutional.
He explained that, under the Constitution, elections can only be deferred under exceptional circumstances such as war, a President-declared impossibility to conduct polls, or the death or disqualification of a candidate.
“Currently, none of these conditions exist, and therefore there is no legal basis to delay the election,” he stressed.
Mr Johari further cited Section 129 of the Election Act, warning that anyone attempting to coerce, threaten, or use force to prevent voters from exercising their constitutional rights commits a criminal offence.
He cautioned that individuals planning protests, disrupting voting, or intimidating citizens will face the full force of the law.
The Attorney General also addressed misinformation circulating online, clarifying that no political party has been barred from participating in this year’s elections.
“Claims on social media and international platforms suggesting that a party has been blocked are false. The truth is that the party voluntarily decided not to participate,” he said.
He urged Tanzanians to ignore such claims and focus on fulfilling their civic duty.
Highlighting the importance of responsible participation, Mr Johari stressed that all eligible citizens should turn out and vote peacefully.
“Tomorrow, October 29, all Tanzanians aged 18 and above should go to polling stations nationwide to elect leaders who will steer the nation for the next five years,” he said.
He also warned that spreading false information online—even from outside the country—carries legal consequences.
“Do not assume that being abroad exempts you from accountability under Tanzanian law,” he cautioned, emphasizing the need for integrity and respect for legal processes.
The Attorney General’s statement comes amid heightened public discourse on the elections, with various online platforms circulating rumours about postponement and political exclusion. By reaffirming the legal framework, the OAG seeks to ensure that citizens understand the legitimacy of the electoral process and their role in safeguarding democracy.
With the elections now set to proceed as scheduled, the focus shifts to voter turnout, adherence to legal procedures, and the collective responsibility of Tanzanians to ensure a smooth, transparent, and credible election process that reflects the will of the people.