DAR ES SALAAM, Jan. 7 -- IN todays world, where governance continues to improve, multiparty general elections are a cornerstone of democratic life. Such an election environment allows citizens to choose leaders, debate ideas and shape their nations future.

But as history has shown, elections held in such an environment, especially closely contested ones, often leave deep emotional, political and social divisions.

In such settings, allegations of irregularities, mistrust of institutions, inflammatory political rhetoric and polarised media narratives can fracture communities long after ballots are counted.

After an election in a multiparty system, with leaders having been elected, national reconciliation and healing are not optional; the...