POLICE have called on the public to abide by the law and put patriotism ahead of party politics to ensure that the ongoing election campaigns are conducted peacefully.
Police Spokesperson Advera Bulimba said in Dar es Salaam that all Tanzanians who participate in campaigns should put forward patriotism rather than political affiliation to avoid disturbing the prevailing peace.
“We all should work together to ensure peace during the campaign period. Supporters of various political parties should realise that our unity as Tanzanians is more important than anything else,’’ she explained.
Ms Bulimba warned politicians and supporters of various political parties against engaging in politically-motivated offences as the law governing elections doesn’t condone violent behaviour during campaign rallies.
‘We urge them all to take precaution as politics should not lead to a breach of the peace or
crime” stressed Ms Bulimba. She said the police force was well prepared to deal with trouble or sign of trouble for the entire campaign duration during and after the election and will deal with anyone who breaks the law regardless of his political affiliation into protecting peace.
Referring to political scuffles reported in some parts of the country, Ms Bulimba said several people were being questioned in connection with such incidents.
“At the moment, I cannot say anything with regard to those arrested on multiple instances of breach of the peace. We are still investigating whether criminal offences were committed before arraigning the perpetrators,” explained the spokesperson.
Closing a two-week police training on human rights and excessive use of force during elections which was held in Dar es Salaam recently, Deputy Commissioner of Police Mary Nzuki said the force has taken all precautions to ensure that the campaigns and voting are held peacefully.
The special training for police officers organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the police force was aimed at building capacity for the law enforcers in their operations, especially during the election period.
Conducted by facilitators from the United Kingdom, the training also aimed at providing insight to the police on reasonable use of force when and if necessary, in addition to observing and complying with human rights in the execution of their work.
Ms Nzuki saidthat upon completion of the training, the officers were required to share the knowledge to their colleagues to equip them with comprehensive knowledge, particularly with respect to human rights, laws and regulations. UNDP has already conducted a similar training for different cadres, including journalists and members of the judiciary.
Meanwhile, police in Zanzibar have assured tourists and investors of security, saying the islands will remain safe during the election period and beyond.
Zanzibar Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr Hamdan Omar Makame, said tourists visiting the Islands and investors should not worry about security as the Election Day gets closer. He assured residents, tourists and investors that Zanzibar was safe and that the peaceful atmosphere will be maintained during elections.
“We wish to assure everybody that our forces and intelligence are on full alert in all public places and tourist attractions, to ensure that tourists continue enjoying their stay in Zanzibar,” Mr Makame said. The CP made the assurance while addressing investors at the Double Tree Hotel here.
Daily News
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