As Tanzania moves closer to its national elections on October 29, 2025, authorities in Dar es Salaam have urged citizens to remain calm and exercise their constitutional right to vote without fear.
Delivering a regional security briefing on October 27, the Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner said the city remains fully prepared to ensure a peaceful and safe election day. He appealed to all registered voters to turn out and cast their ballots between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., the official voting hours set by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Call for Voter Turnout and Responsibility
“I call on all Dar es Salaam residents who have registered to go and use that constitutional right to choose their leaders,” he said. “There are a few reports on social media that we cannot ignore, showing attempts by small groups to encourage disruption of this election, which has been planned according to the law.”
The regional commissioner emphasised that there is no reason for citizens to panic, assuring the public that security organs are ready to protect both people and property.
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“You should not be afraid of anything because the state organs you see behind me have sworn by the constitution to protect the safety of citizens and their property,” he declared. “There will not be anyone who can threaten any Tanzanian who turns out to vote in our region and be left to do so.”
Security Forces ‘Not There to Intimidate’
He added that security forces are not deployed to intimidate voters but to guarantee their safety throughout the process. “The state organs are not arranged to frighten people but to ensure that you, as a Tanzanian and a resident of Dar es Salaam, go to vote safely, are protected, and leave the polling station safely,” he said.
Addressing persistent rumours circulating online about possible disruptions, he called on citizens to disregard such claims and trust that the government remains committed to maintaining peace and order.
“Ignore the words in the streets that this election will be disrupted,” he said. “Because this country, and especially Dar es Salaam region, with its state organs and all well-intentioned Tanzanians, will remain firm to protect our nation and safeguard our region.”
The remarks, made just two days before Tanzanians head to the polls, were intended to restore public confidence amid scattered online messages warning of unrest. Officials reiterated that all necessary measures are in place to ensure the election proceeds smoothly and lawfully.
With security agencies visibly mobilised across Dar es Salaam, the message was clear: citizens should not fear exercising their democratic right. Instead, they should participate peacefully, knowing that the region’s institutions are committed to ensuring a secure and credible electoral process.
