President Samia urges military vigilance ahead of Tanzanian elections

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed the Tanzanian People's Defence Force (TPDF) to be prepared for potential challenges in the forthcoming elections.

The President issued the directive during the seventh meeting between the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and army commanders in Dar es Salaam on Monday.

Highlighting the complexity of elections involving diverse parties with varying intentions, President Samia emphasised the need for the military to remain vigilant all through the election period.

"We will start with local government elections this year, but since elections involve many parties with different intentions, we are not sure if everything will go according to plan. I now ask the TPDF, through your various commands, to prepare for any eventuality," she said.

President Samia clarified that her remarks weren't indicative of an anticipation of chaos during the elections. Instead, she underscored the heightened importance of fostering security during the election period.

"All the procedures, laws, and guidelines governing elections will be followed, but the TPDF and other defence and security organs must be ready to face any challenge that may arise," she stated.

Later this year, Tanzania will hold local government elections to elect leaders at the grassroots level, followed by the 2025 General Election in October, which will determine the President, Members of Parliament, and councillors.

President Samia acknowledged the potential challenges that could arise during the general election and stressed the necessity for the military to be adequately prepared to address them.

Samia assumed office following the demise of John Pombe Magufuli in March 2021.

In the upcoming 2025 elections, she is poised to make her inaugural run for the presidency. According to Tanzanian law, a vice president who takes over the presidency before the incumbent has served three years of the term is considered to have completed a full term in office.