DAR ES SALAAM, July 28 -- AS Tanzania approaches the much-anticipated general elections, let us all pause for a moment, not to hold our breath in fear, but to breathe in responsibility.

Yes, fellow Tanzanians, it is that time again. Time to shine our shoes, not sharpen our tongues; time to dust off our voter IDs, not hurl insults; time to pick ideas, not fights.

Let us start with the obvious: Go vote. Staying at home and complaining on social media achieves exactly nothing, unless you are aiming to trend for all the wrong reasons.

Elections are your chance to shape the future of your community, your region and your nation.

A single vote may seem small, but combined with millions, it builds governments, or brings them down. To our belo...