DODOMA, Sept. 16 -- AS the country approaches the October 29 general election, the nation faces both opportunity and risk.

Elections are a cornerstone of democracy, providing citizens with the chance to choose leaders who can champion people centred development.

Yet, they can also become flash points for chaos and division if exploited by opportunistic politicians.

The delicate balance between democratic expression and national stability is being tested, making the call for unity more urgent than ever.

The contest of ideas, while healthy for democracy, carries the danger of being twisted into a contest of identities.

History across the continent has shown how swiftly democratic processes can descend into violence when leaders or thei...