03 Nov 2020

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, also SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation chair, has applauded the people of the United Republic of Tanzania (URT) for demonstrating their commitment to democracy by exercising their right to vote in a calm and tranquil manner.

In a statement, Dr Masisi says the election was a progressive build-up to the 6th multiparty elections since 1995.

Dr Masisi states that SADC congratulates Dr John Magufuli for his victory in the URT presidential election and Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi for winning the elections in Zanzibar.

The President says SADC congratulates all political parties/candidates and encouraged them to consolidate the gains made in the democratic space since the advent of multiparty elections in the country. 

“In that regard, SADC calls upon the new government to closely engage all actors in the democracy, governance and politics with a view to implement reforms aimed at improving political engagement and sustain democracy within the United Republic of Tanzania,” he said. 

Dr Masisi said SADC urges all stakeholders to settle any disputes emanating from the electoral process through established legal channels as stipulated in the national laws and in the revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections. 

The move would enable a constructive environment that would infuse credibility in the processes and practices used for elections, the statement says.

“Finally, I wish to commend the National Electoral Commission (NEC) and the Zanzibar Election Commission (ZEC), for their unwavering commitment to support electoral democracy and strengthening the space in which democratic actors may collectively and unitarily converge in expressing their patriotic duty to their country,” said Dr Masisi.

Dr Masisi further wished the incoming government a peaceful and successful term in office. 

The general elections in the United Republic of Tanzania were held on October 28. ends