DAR ES SALAAM: SEVERAL political parties yesterday expressed optimism about today’s election after fielding candidates to contest for various posts in the civic poll.
In Dar es Salaam, CCM Secretary General, Ambassador Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi closed the Local Government Election campaigns by highlighting significant achievements in socio-economic development under President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration, which he said are worth emulating.
These milestones include advancements in healthcare, improved access to clean water, expanded electricity supply, renovation of ports and airports, road extensions and the implementation of the electrified Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), all in line with the party’s 2020-2025 Election Manifesto.
Addressing a rally at Kwakamunyani Grounds, Temeke District, on the eve of the Local Elections today, Dr Nchimbi stated that the successful execution of the manifesto continues to earn citizens’ approval, motivating them to elect CCM leaders again.
He expressed confidence that CCM would win the elections, emphasising that the party had effectively used time for campaigning to showcase the government’s accomplishments.
“The CCM’s campaigns reached every hamlet, every street and every village across the country, unlike other political parties, which primarily concentrated their efforts online,” Dr Nchimbi said, insisting that the decision now rests with the voters.
To ensure the party continues delivering for citizens, he stated that CCM had nominated competent candidates dedicated to advancing development.
He elaborated that CCM selected 84,000 candidates to compete in today’s election. Initially, there were a total of 356,000 aspirants during the intraparty elections to pick candidates for street and village chairperson posts across the country, emphasising that the nomination process was both comprehensive and democratic to ensure citizens are provided with capable leaders.
In Mwanza Region, a member of the National Executive Council of CCM, Mr Stephen Wasira concluded the campaigns while outlining reasons why the party expects a major victory.
Mr Wasira stated that one of the main reasons is the effective implementation of promises made by CCM to citizens, including significant improvements in various sectors during the four years of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership.
Among these achievements is the allocation of 4.9tri/- to the education sector, which facilitated the construction of 467 new primary schools and 579 secondary schools across the country.
Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) Vice-Chairman Tundu Lissu expressed confidence that the party would achieve a fair victory in the election.
Mr Lissu made the statement while concluding the election campaign in Ikungi District, Singida.
“We will win the election fairly, not through deceit and we will not steal anyone’s vote. We will win fairly because our God is a God of justice,” he said, wishing the party’s supporters a good and peaceful election.
CHADEMA’s Secretary General, Mr John Mnyika, told the ‘Daily News’ in an exclusive interview that CHADEMA is committed to transferring power to the people and involving them in decision-making on development matters.
Mr Mnyika stated that CHADEMA leaders elected in today’s Local Government Elections will hold meetings in accordance with the law, align on development priorities and unite efforts to drive progress.
He added that local government leaders would act as the voice of the people, serving as a link between communities and local authorities.
He emphasised that CHADEMA stands for accountability. “CHADEMA leaders will ensure the resolution of land disputes, eliminate corruption in public funds and uphold the rights of citizens,” he said. He added that the party believes that the proper management of justice is key to fostering national and community development.
The Secretary General of the Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT-Wazalendo), Ado Shaibu, stated that the party views politics as a means to achieve development.
“Beyond overseeing resources and the government, a party can seek partners to address smaller issues, such as improving the sports sector. There is no need to rely solely on the government. Leaders who win in local government elections can source sports equipment through partners and distribute them in the areas they represent,” he said.
He further noted that ACT leaders can tackle challenges such as water supply and health infrastructure, including clinics, by holding the government accountable and contributing construction materials in the areas they win.
“In 2018, we visited all the wards we won, listened to their challenges and engaged stakeholders to address various issues in their communities,” he said.
