JF Summary
Senior Member
- Jul 3, 2015
- 163
- 109
Tanzania's presidential candidate under the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, has warned citizens against holding demonstrations on October 29, 2025, the day of the General Election, urging them instead to go out and vote peacefully..
Speaking at a campaign rally at Leaders Club Grounds in Kinondoni District, Dar es Salaam, on October 21, 2025, Dr. Samia said the only movement expected that day should be voters heading to polling stations, stressing that there will be no room for unrest or insecurity.
“There will be no other demonstrations and no security threats. The one speaking is the President of this Country and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. I urge you all — go out and vote,” she declared.
Dr. Samia, who became Tanzania's first female President following the death of John Pombe Magufuli in March 2021, said she remains committed to protecting the dignity of Tanzanians by ensuring access to key social services, including water, education, healthcare, electricity, and national security.
She further noted that she would continue to shoulder any criticism or insults aimed at CCM, likening her endurance to that of Jesus Christ and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who both suffered for serving humanity under divine instruction.
“I swore to protect and serve Tanzania — and that is what I am doing. I have no regrets about bearing the insults,” she said.
Dr. Samia concluded by urging CCM members to honor their party by voting in large numbers, encouraging families to go together to the polls and ensure peaceful participation.
Speaking at a campaign rally at Leaders Club Grounds in Kinondoni District, Dar es Salaam, on October 21, 2025, Dr. Samia said the only movement expected that day should be voters heading to polling stations, stressing that there will be no room for unrest or insecurity.
“There will be no other demonstrations and no security threats. The one speaking is the President of this Country and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. I urge you all — go out and vote,” she declared.
Dr. Samia, who became Tanzania's first female President following the death of John Pombe Magufuli in March 2021, said she remains committed to protecting the dignity of Tanzanians by ensuring access to key social services, including water, education, healthcare, electricity, and national security.
She further noted that she would continue to shoulder any criticism or insults aimed at CCM, likening her endurance to that of Jesus Christ and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who both suffered for serving humanity under divine instruction.
“I swore to protect and serve Tanzania — and that is what I am doing. I have no regrets about bearing the insults,” she said.
Dr. Samia concluded by urging CCM members to honor their party by voting in large numbers, encouraging families to go together to the polls and ensure peaceful participation.
The Reasons for Samia's Remarks
In Tanzania, the right to protest is constitutionally recognized. Article 20(1) of the Constitution states: "Every person has the right to be free, without infringing on the law of the land, to meet with others voluntarily and peacefully, to associate and cooperate with others, and to express opinions publicly…" Despite this constitutional guarantee and citizens' calls for peaceful demonstrations, various threats have continued to be issued by the President and government authorities.
These protests are often considered illegal under the Public Order Act, Cap 223, which requires any group intending to hold a demonstration to notify the Police Commander or relevant security officer in advance to ensure the event proceeds safely. However, this law has frequently been misused, with police denying permits under the pretext of potential risks.
The planned demonstrations on October 29, 2025, have gained significant momentum on social media, particularly among Gen Z, who are encouraging each other to participate. Their primary demand is the removal of the current government, which they claim has failed to meet citizens' needs and continues to operate for its own interests. At the same time, ordinary people struggle with poor living conditions.
This wave of protests mirrors trends in other countries, where social media has amplified movements and protests. The growing momentum appears to be causing concern among leaders, who fear a repeat of the large-scale demonstrations seen in countries such as Kenya, Nepal, Cameroon, and Madagascar.
These protests are often considered illegal under the Public Order Act, Cap 223, which requires any group intending to hold a demonstration to notify the Police Commander or relevant security officer in advance to ensure the event proceeds safely. However, this law has frequently been misused, with police denying permits under the pretext of potential risks.
The planned demonstrations on October 29, 2025, have gained significant momentum on social media, particularly among Gen Z, who are encouraging each other to participate. Their primary demand is the removal of the current government, which they claim has failed to meet citizens' needs and continues to operate for its own interests. At the same time, ordinary people struggle with poor living conditions.
This wave of protests mirrors trends in other countries, where social media has amplified movements and protests. The growing momentum appears to be causing concern among leaders, who fear a repeat of the large-scale demonstrations seen in countries such as Kenya, Nepal, Cameroon, and Madagascar.
Some Warning Issued by Authorities
The Tanga Regional Security and Safety Committee has issued a warning to anyone intending to disturb peace during the upcoming election, stating that legal action will be taken against offenders. This warning was given by the committee Chairperson and Tanga Regional Commissioner, Ambassador Batilda Buriani, on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
Earlier, on October 3, 2025, Kisarawe District Commissioner Petro Magoti urged citizens to turn out and vote on October 29, 2025, while warning that anyone planning protests would face action. He emphasized that demonstrations would not be allowed in his district.
On September 22, 2025, the Kagera Regional Police stated they would not permit anyone seeking to disrupt the general election. They warned such individuals to desist immediately or face arrest and strict legal consequences.
On October 14, 2025, Tanzania Police spokesperson DCP David Misime assured citizens that the police were fully prepared to ensure peace and security during the general election. He encouraged citizens to vote without fear, stressing that every measure has been put in place to safeguard their safety.
Similarly, on September 29, 2025, Arusha Regional Police Commander Justine Masejo confirmed that the police were diligently preparing to maintain peace and order ahead of the upcoming election.
On October 20, 2025, Shinyanga Regional Police assured residents that peace and security would be maintained on election day and urged citizens to exercise their constitutional right to vote.
Also on October 20, 2025, Simiyu Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner Edith M. Swebe, called on residents to ensure that the general election is conducted peacefully, emphasizing the importance of protecting peace in the region.
Earlier, on October 3, 2025, Kisarawe District Commissioner Petro Magoti urged citizens to turn out and vote on October 29, 2025, while warning that anyone planning protests would face action. He emphasized that demonstrations would not be allowed in his district.
On September 22, 2025, the Kagera Regional Police stated they would not permit anyone seeking to disrupt the general election. They warned such individuals to desist immediately or face arrest and strict legal consequences.
On October 14, 2025, Tanzania Police spokesperson DCP David Misime assured citizens that the police were fully prepared to ensure peace and security during the general election. He encouraged citizens to vote without fear, stressing that every measure has been put in place to safeguard their safety.
Similarly, on September 29, 2025, Arusha Regional Police Commander Justine Masejo confirmed that the police were diligently preparing to maintain peace and order ahead of the upcoming election.
On October 20, 2025, Shinyanga Regional Police assured residents that peace and security would be maintained on election day and urged citizens to exercise their constitutional right to vote.
Also on October 20, 2025, Simiyu Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner Edith M. Swebe, called on residents to ensure that the general election is conducted peacefully, emphasizing the importance of protecting peace in the region.