Dar es Salaam’s Police Commander, Jumanne Muliro, has urged Tanzanians—especially young voters—to avoid acts that could incite violence during the upcoming general elections, emphasizing the importance of following the laws and regulations set by the National Electoral Commission (NEC).
Speaking on 24 October 2025 in Dar es Salaam during a youth forum for university and college students ahead of the Tanzania general election scheduled for 29 October 2025, Commander Muliro cautioned against emotionally driven actions around polling stations, stressing that election procedures must be respected.
The 2025 general election will see Tanzanians voting for the President, Members of Parliament (MPs), and local councillors (madiwani) across the country.
“There are times you see someone insisting on chaos or walking around with emotions of violence,” Muliro said. “If you vote, follow the procedures. The election law clearly explains what to do. Otherwise, you create situations that make counting difficult, and eventually people demand to enter rooms that are not meant for them. These are things that require common sense and calmness.”
Muliro’s remarks came in response to a question from journalist Charles William, who asked about differing public opinions—whether voters should leave polling stations immediately after voting or stay nearby to “guard the vote” until results are announced.
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Addressing the issue, Muliro questioned the logic behind calls for voters to stay at polling stations after casting their ballots. “You are supposed to understand the laws and systems. If you say ‘vote and guard the vote,’ what then is the purpose of election agents?” he asked. “Why do we have agents if every voter must stay? If you don’t trust your agent, why appoint one? Some of these ideas show poor reasoning.”
He reiterated that election agents exist precisely to monitor the voting and counting process on behalf of candidates and political parties, making it unnecessary—and potentially disruptive—for ordinary voters to remain at polling centres.
Commander Muliro warned that failure to respect election procedures could lead to unnecessary confrontations with law enforcement. “If people rush into making their own decisions, it creates conditions that invite the police—who are trained to handle such situations—to intervene,” he said.
Muliro concluded by urging all voters to act responsibly and uphold peace during the election period, noting that discipline and adherence to lawful procedures are key to maintaining order and ensuring credible elections in Tanzania.
