As the country prepares for the general election, Tanzania Christian FORUM has asked the media practitioners and institutions to be proactive in providing information without going against the rules and ethics of journalism and inciting violence, sowing hatred among the citizens.
In their statement issued on 17 September 2015, after their meeting held at Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) Secretariat, Kurasini this week, the Forum also asked the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority in (TCRA) to exercise their power against culprits who go against the ethical code of conduct related to Media and journalism.
During the meeting, the forum also discussed certain issues they wanted the government to prioritize especially during this time when the country prepares for the general elections. This includes the issuing of threat statements by some of the political parties; freedom for voters on matters concerning political parties; and assurance that the elections will be just and fair. “Without Justice, Peace cannot be guaranteed,” read the statement.
Moreover, the forum identified some issues that according to them deprive people of their right to freedom and possibly may lead to some violence if not addressed before hand. Attention was given to security agencies especially the Police Force to conduct their duties fairly without using excessive forces on matters that would want dialogue to generate solutions. “The excessive use of force likely breach peace for the citizens,” read the statement.
To the Electoral Commission in (NEC), the forum wanted them to be at the service of all political parties without fear or favor for that it is the only way they can win the credibility from the people.
To the citizens the forum has asked them to take the full advantage of their right to vote to participate in the voting process while guided by, not greedy for money but by their conscience.
The date set for a general election in the country is 25th October 2015.
By Pascal Mwanache, Kiongozi Newspaper, TEC Dar-es-Salaam.