Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, has issued a strong appeal to media outlets ...
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, has issued a strong appeal to media outlets and security agencies in the country to ensure they provide fair and equal opportunities to all candidates leading up to the 2025 General Election. Emphasizing the importance of respecting diverse opinions and safeguarding national cohesion, Dr. Biteko spoke in Dar es Salaam at a meeting that brought together stakeholders from the media sector.
The Importance of Unity During the Election Period
Dr. Biteko stressed that the election period is a sensitive time that requires national unity, explaining that a lot of information circulates and forms the basis for citizens' decisions on whom to elect.
"During this election period, it's common for even members of the same family to have differing opinions. This meeting is a way to bring stakeholders together so that despite our differences, we remain united. We are Tanzanians with the intention of building our country and making it more prosperous," said Dr. Biteko.
The Role of Media in Free and Fair Elections
The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the significant contribution of media in ensuring that elections are conducted with transparency, by monitoring and reporting various events before, during, and after the election. He urged these outlets to be truthful to the public by disseminating accurate and reliable information.
"In this era where the power of the editor has diminished and information can be spread without undergoing a formal editorial process, it is crucial for journalists to use their professionalism and protect this industry with great zeal. If we lack oversight, we can become divided as a nation," Dr. Biteko warned.
He noted the significant increase in media outlets in the country, including 375 newspapers, 247 radio stations, 355 online media outlets, 72 blogs, and 68 television stations, stating that these are a result of the improved environment created by the government. These outlets have employed a large number of youth and contribute significantly to the country's economy.
Government and the Media Sector: Actions and Commitment
Dr. Biteko praised the government led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan for prioritizing the media sector, citing the initial steps taken by the President, including reopening some media outlets that had been banned and restoring licenses that had been revoked.
He added that the government has established the Journalists Accreditation Board to ensure that news and broadcasting services adhere to professional standards and ethics.
"Journalists should be true guardians, builders of peace, and be zealous about your profession. In this environment of technology and misinformation, you must be very careful and ensure that the public receives accurate information," he emphasized.
Furthermore, he urged journalists to use respectful language, avoid incitement, and report impartially without bias during campaigns, elections, and even after the elections.
Media as a Tool for Transparency and Accountability
Dr. Biteko stressed that the media sector is a vital tool for promoting transparency, accountability, and monitoring of election processes. Journalists have the responsibility to encourage all segments of society to participate in the election, including women, youth, and people living in vulnerable conditions.
"You should be more than just journalists. Understand that through your work, the nation of Tanzania can remain united or become divided. Therefore, be guardians of peace, truth-seekers, and a clean channel for society, untainted by fabrication or hatred," he insisted.
Safety of Journalists and Collaboration with NEC
Regarding security agencies, Dr. Biteko stated that the government is committed to ensuring that journalists perform their duties in a safe, free, and friendly environment. He emphasized that the Police Force will continue to protect the safety of journalists and their property throughout the election period.
"We will ensure that every journalist returns home safely. We will continue to uphold this with all our might through our state organs," he said.
He concluded by urging journalists to continue close collaboration with the National Electoral Commission (NEC) to obtain accurate and timely information, and called upon media institutions to regularly self-assess.
Media Industry's Contribution and Digital System Launch
The media industry in the country is noted to have made significant contributions to national development both before and after independence, with early media outlets such as the Sauti ya TANU newspaper and Radio Sauti ya Dar es Salaam playing a crucial role in fostering unity, nationalism, and mobilizing support for the independence movement.
According to a 2022 study by REPOA (Research on Poverty Alleviation) Institute, media outlets are the primary source of political information for citizens, with over 76% of citizens getting political information through radio and television programs. Consequently, Dr. Biteko has advised media outlets to provide platforms for policy and political discussions that help voters make informed decisions by listening to candidates' policies and agendas.
At the meeting, Dr. Biteko officially launched the TAI – Habari Digital System for registering and accrediting journalists, which is managed by the Journalists Accreditation Board. So far, over 2900 journalists have been registered through this system, which processes all essential journalist information and then provides the journalist with a Digital Press Card.
Insights from Other Stakeholders
The Minister of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Prof. Palamagamba Kabudi, stated that the meeting aims to establish a solid foundation for cooperation among the Government, media outlets, civil society organizations, security institutions, and independent bodies like the NEC, to protect peace and promote equal opportunities for all political parties.
The District Commissioner of Ubungo, Hon. Albert Msando, speaking on behalf of the Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Hon. Albert Chalamila, promised continued cooperation with media outlets to ensure they receive accurate information from within the Region and its Districts to inform the public.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports and Chief Government Spokesperson, Gerson Msigwa, emphasized the importance of professionalism in the media sector as the 2025 General Election approaches.
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