MTWARA: ON November 27 of this year, the Tanzanian mainland is gearing up to hold local government elections nationwide.
These elections serve as the cornerstone of the nation’s development, as many initiatives and plans begin at the grassroots level, spanning from streets and villages to townships.
A total of 185 councils, encompassing 4263 streets, 12319 villages, and 64384 townships, are slated to participate in these civic polls, overseen mostly by the directors of each respective council who serve as the principal administrators.
Among these councils is the Mtwara-Mikindani Municipal Council, which comprises 111 streets set to elect their leaders in the upcoming election.
To shed light on the ambitious plans and strategies within the municipality, let’s focus on the various groups poised to engage in the electoral process.
In Indian quarters streets, situated in Shangani ward, a resident named Abeid Yusuph Lukanga, who is physically disabled, shared his determination to participate in the election alongside his group.
Despite facing challenges, Lukanga, known for his craftsmanship in shoemaking and welding, emphasized the importance of individuals with disabilities stepping forward to vie for leadership roles in the local government election.
Expressing his sentiment, Lukanga stated, “People with special needs should take the lead; let’s step up and assume leadership roles, particularly in council membership and chairmanship positions.”
He continued, “I speak from experience, having actively engaged in governmental affairs since my time on Kiango Street in 1989 until relocating to this ward in 2021. I have held multiple positions across the streets I’ve resided in.”
Similarly, in Miseti Street, located in Chuno Ward, 77-year-old Mwanashuru Oga affirmed her commitment to participate in the election despite any challenges that may arise.
“By the grace of God, I have to vote, even if I’m not able to write on that particular day. If that happens, I’ll contact the administrator for assistance, but I will vote,” she noted.
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Encouraging women to exercise their right to vote, she stressed its significance in shaping current and future development trajectories.
“Let us launch a campaign throughout the entire Mtwara region. I myself encourage all women to join me at the front lines, and nobody should stop until we are done. Let’s cast our votes,” she urged.
Encouraging widespread participation, the Leader of the Women’s Association for Civic United Front (CUF), Odeta Lipemba, urged women to consider running for various positions in the election, emphasizing the need for gender diversity in leadership roles.
“I ask the women to complete their candidacy forms. There are openings for chairpersons as well as positions within the women’s delegation, which requires that five members be women, although it’s permissible for all members to be women as well.
I encourage many women to fill out these forms, and, God willing, they will secure these positions, especially since many men already occupy various roles,” she stated.
The mayor of Mtwara-Mikindani Municipality, Shadida Ndile, one of only two female mayors in Tanzania and the sole elected female councilor within the municipality, urged women to overcome their fears and volunteer for various positions in the upcoming elections.
In addition to motivating women, she also encouraged young people to take initiative by filling out forms and running for different roles.
“We greatly value the involvement and contributions of young people in the electoral process, as their participation is essential for driving development forward,” she emphasized.
Aside from women’s groups, the youth demographic is also closely monitored as it represents the largest segment of the population, as per the 2022 Population and Housing Census. Therefore, it is considered the most influential group for making progressive decisions at present.
Many young individuals residing on Mkanaledi Street in Mtwara-Mikindani Municipality have expressed their eagerness to engage in the upcoming election, viewing it as a crucial step towards achieving economic and social empowerment.
“Most of us are bodaboda operators, and in order to acquire our motorbikes, we need to enter into a contractual agreement. To secure this contract, the Chairman of the Street must issue a letter of identification, which serves as a guarantee.
Recognition by the Chairman is essential not only for obtaining social services but also for legitimizing our presence,” explained Ahmed Nahembe, a young bodaboda driver in the area.
He further notes that in Mtwara, there is a current practice of requiring identification verification upon entering new villages to enhance security measures. In light of this, he emphasizes the importance of selecting competent guides who can navigate this process effectively.
In a rallying call to his peers, Nahembe urges young individuals to actively participate in the electoral process.
He encourages them to discard the notion that elections are solely for the older generation or a specific political party. Instead, he advocates for increased voter turnout, dispelling accusations of election fraud, and embracing collective involvement in shaping the future through democratic participation.
Leaders of political parties, tasked with guiding their members through the election process, have also demonstrated their preparedness and commitment to mobilize for the impending elections.
CUF-Mtwara Municipal General Secretary, Said Issa Kulagwa, underscored the foundational role of local government elections in shaping the broader governmental structure, urging young people to register, seek candidacy, and participate in voting.
“The central government relies on local governments for effective governance. In this analogy, if development represents a house, then local government elections serve as its foundation. Therefore, the strength and stability of our overall progress depend on establishing a solid groundwork through these elections,” he elaborated.
Similarly, Salum Naida, Chairman of Chama Cha Mapinduzi-CCCM Mtwara Urban District, emphasized the importance of selecting dedicated leaders to steer development efforts within the streets, highlighting the critical role of local governments in fostering community progress.
Naida emphasized the importance of active participation in selecting candidates who are dedicated, qualified, and committed to serving the community, as local governments play a crucial role in driving development for the benefit of the people.
Civil society organizations are also very significant development partners across various sectors in the country, with many actively fulfilling their roles within the Mtwara-Mikindani Municipality.
One such organization is Faidika Wote Pamoja Organization (FAWOPA), led by Executive Director Baltazari Komba, who for his part emphasized the critical need for selecting competent leaders to govern the local streets, as they serve as the cornerstone of our nation’s progress.
Komba highlighted the essential nature of this election, noting that all development initiatives originate in the streets, where funds are allocated, projects are executed, and security concerns are addressed.
“All development plans begin on the streets, funds are sent there, implementation takes place there, and security and safety concerns arise there, which makes these leaders crucial. That is why this election is so crucial,” he said.
In line with that, religious leaders within the Mtwara-Mikindani Municipality affirmed the sanctity of electoral processes, citing verses from religious texts that endorse and bless the act of voting.
Sheikh Hassan Mpwagu, the Imam of Masjid Rashad in Mtwara Municipality, commented on Surah Al-‘Imran, Verse 33, highlighting that, aside from its various interpretations, the context of the verse supports the idea that Muslims are permitted to vote, thereby affirming that voting is sanctioned in the Quran.
Similarly, Pastor Geofrey Mposola of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT) Diocese of South East Mtwara noted that the Bible also addresses electoral matters.
He referenced the book of Acts 1:23-26, which recounts how the apostles cast lots to select a replacement for Judas Iscariot: “They put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed and cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias, so he was added to the eleven apostles.”
“This illustrates that election procedures are recognized within Christianity as well,” he noted.
In most councils across the country, the chief administrators overseeing the elections are the district, town, or municipal directors.
In the case of the Mtwara-Mikindani Council, the Municipal Director, Mwalimu Hassan Nyange, is responsible for supervising the election process, and he expressed confidence in the council’s preparedness for the upcoming exercise.
“We have successfully appointed ward election administrators, as well as officials at the street and council levels. I urge the citizens of Mtwara-Mikindani municipality to actively participate in this vital exercise, as development stems from the very streets we inhabit,” he stated.
MD Nyange also emphasized that the selection of capable leaders in local government will be crucial for fostering development, as they will represent the voices of the community and drive initiatives forward.
He shared that the council has an estimated total of 89,879 voters, comprising 47,376 women and 42,502 men.