TCRA URGES BLOGGERS TO PROMOTE PEACE AHEAD OF 2025 GENERAL ELECTIONS.



By Our Reporter


Online content creators have been cautioned against publishing information that could cause panic or trigger unrest in the country, especially as Tanzania heads towards the 2025 General Elections for the President, Members of Parliament, and Councilors later this year.


This was said on August 3, 2025, by the Manager of Broadcasting Services at the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), Engineer Andrew Kisaka, while presenting a paper during a meeting organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for online content creators.


Kisaka emphasized that election periods often present heightened risks of social divisions, tension, and misinformation. He urged bloggers to avoid spreading rumors, to report accurately, to remain neutral, and to denounce hate speech.


He called on bloggers across the country to uphold ethical standards and take responsibility in ensuring peaceful elections by publishing constructive content. “If you suspect that the content may cause panic or unrest, it is better to leave it out,” Kisaka said.


Kisaka cited historical examples of post-election violence in Nigeria (2011) and Kenya (2007), noting that in Nigeria, more than 800 people lost their lives, while in Kenya over 1,000 people were killed and more than 600,000 displaced.


He stressed that in highly tense election environments, the media can unintentionally contribute to violence by spreading rumors or fueling political bias. To counter this, there are reporting guidelines aimed at addressing such challenges.


“Rumors are the main cause of violence. Therefore, media outlets must thoroughly verify rumors and provide accurate information as quickly as possible to prevent cycles of retaliatory attacks,” said Kisaka.


He further urged bloggers to avoid using provocative language and sensational headlines.


“Do not report every inflammatory statement from politicians, even if such statements seem newsworthy or attract readers. It is crucial not to repeat them in headlines,” Kisaka added, warning that derogatory language can incite violent acts among the public.


Kisaka also advised bloggers to exercise caution when livestreaming political campaign rallies, noting that such broadcasts can escalate tensions if mismanaged.


“Live coverage of election-related chaos should only be handled by experienced senior journalists, not by ‘one-man shows’ as commonly seen among bloggers. Those who promote hate or violence should never be given airtime,” he said.


Additionally, he stated that media outlets should avoid showing images that incite violence and, where necessary, suspend live broadcasts to prevent worsening the situation.


Disaster Reporting and Guidelines

Kisaka noted that bloggers are being trained on how to report during elections conducted under tense or crisis situations, as part of efforts to ensure the nation navigates the 2025 elections peacefully, similar to previous polls.


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