The opposition calls upon CCM and the government to accept the results if a Chadema candidate emerges victorious. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
The Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema) in Shinyanga has expressed growing concerns regarding the upcoming local government elections scheduled for November 27, 2024. They fear that their candidates may face significant obstacles designed to prevent them from winning, allowing candidates from the ruling party, CCM, to secure easier victories.
Emmanuel Ntobi, the Chairman of Chadema in Shinyanga, articulated these concerns during a meeting held on November 4, where the party assessed its strategies for the forthcoming elections. He noted that the party has experienced a lack of inclusion in various electoral processes.
This includes difficulties faced by their candidates in submitting nomination forms due to alleged office closures and a failure to receive official communications inviting them to participate in the establishment of appeal committees at the ward level.
Ntobi stated, “In this year’s local government elections, we are beginning to encounter various forms of manipulation. For instance, according to the electoral commission's schedule, today was designated for the appointment of appeal committees in our wards. However, as of now, Chadema has not received any notification to participate in forming these committees. The public should be aware of how these manipulations are orchestrated.”
He further urged the electoral commission to adhere to the principles outlined in President Samia's 4Rs and the 1977 Constitution, which emphasize the importance of democratic values in Tanzania. Ntobi stressed that they expect their candidates not to be disqualified from the election process and warned that any attempts to exclude them on November 8 would be unacceptable.
Chadema is advocating for a transparent and fair election process, declaring their readiness to accept the results as long as they reflect true democratic practices. Ntobi stated, “We want the local government elections to be free, fair, transparent, and truthful.
We will be the first to accept the outcome if we lose fairly. We also call upon CCM and the government to accept the results if a Chadema candidate emerges victorious. That is the essence of democracy.”
In a related note, Joseph Ndatala, the organization and election officer for the Serengeti region, affirmed Chadema's preparedness for the elections, asserting that no candidate from their party would be disqualified.
Chadema is gearing up for the local government elections amid growing concerns about potential irregularities. Vice Chairman Tundu Lissu, currently in Belgium, voiced his deep mistrust regarding the electoral process in a recent interview with Start TV. He pointed out that despite the appointment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to oversee the elections, the ruling party, CCM, has maintained control through the Ministry of Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), undermining the authority granted to the National Electoral Commission by a law amended in February 2024.
Lissu stated, "The Parliament, which is dominated by a single party, has stubbornly insisted on allowing PO-RALG to manage the elections, contrary to the law that empowers the National Electoral Commission to supervise civic elections." He further alleged that CCM has engaged in voter registration manipulation, claiming that minors and secondary school students are being registered to inflate their numbers. “They boast about having over 31 million people registered, but that statement is an utter lie,” he asserted.
He emphasized that while he has not registered to vote in the civic elections, it does not preclude him from commenting on the ongoing irregularities. “Our role as a party is to ensure that every ward, village, and hamlet has a candidate,” Lissu declared, lamenting how PO-RALG’s election principles have systematically sidelined many Chadema contenders. He compared the current situation to the 2019 elections, which were riddled with fraud under former President John Pombe Magufuli.
Lissu expressed optimism that recommendations from the Justice Nyalali Commission, Justice Kisanga, and the recent Judge Warioba Commission could be instrumental in combating election fraud.
He, however, criticized the government, saying, “CCM has ignored these recommendations to serve their interests, making the opposition virtually insignificant in this process.”
With palpable frustration, Lissu noted, “The people are tired of this draconian rule, but with time, Tanzania will follow Ghana’s path, where the opposition has risen against the odds.”
With the elections on the horizon, Chadema's commitment to safeguarding democracy is unwavering, even in the face of daunting challenges. Lissu’s bold declarations echo the frustrations of many Tanzanians who are fed up with systemic injustices.
“This is a fight for our rights,” he proclaimed. “If we don’t stand up now, we risk losing everything. We will not be silenced.” The party's resolve reflects a growing determination among citizens to reclaim their democratic freedoms, promising a showdown that could redefine Tanzania's political landscape. The upcoming elections are not just a contest for local offices; they represent a critical juncture in the ongoing struggle for political integrity and accountability in the country.