In Summary
- Mbowe says there is every sign the General Election will be adjourned, but the government dismissed the claim
Dar es Salaam. Chadema yesterday maintained that it does not see the General Election taking place in October as scheduled.
Chadema national chairman Freeman Mbowe told
reporters at the party’s headquarters in the city that there was every
sign the General Election would be adjourned, thus extending the tenure
of President Jakaya Kikwete, who said on Friday that he would retire in
October as expected. In a swift response, the government dismissed
Chadema’s concern, describing it as sheer speculation.
The National Electoral Commission (NEC), also
scoffed at Chadema’s sentiments and warned that politicians should leave
the commission to do its job because election management isn’t a
political issue.
In his press conference, the Chadema chair who
also serves as Hai MP, said there were indications that NEC won’t
complete voter registration in time to allow for the election to take
place.
He said the government has deliberately denied NEC
the money to purchase biometric voter registration kits (BVRs) and as a
result, the exercise has been going at a snail’s pace.
Mr Mbowe criticised what he referred to as “sheer
rhetoric”, with leaders doing a lot of talking instead of seeing to it
that plans are implemented.
“We have a big challenge here, the President,
Prime Minister and NEC chairman aren’t giving clear answers regarding
this matter; they talk too much and we don’t see action on the ground,”
said Mr Mbowe.
According to Mr Mbowe, who also doubles as Leader
of the Official Opposition in Parliament, there are clear indications
that justify Chadema’s concern that Tanzanians won’t go to the polls
since “everything is being done at a snail’s pace.”
Contacted for comment, the Minister of State in
the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Coordination and Parliamentary
Affairs), Ms Jenister Mhagama, said Chadema pronouncement was merely
aimed at garnering political mileage, “because nothing can stop the
October elections.”
Ms Mhagama said Chadema has been complaining for a
long time without giving facts to substantiate their claims. She said
the government was committed to its functions and that the General
Election was among the crucial matters that must be effected this year.
“I am not surprised at Chadema’s utterances… they always seek political mileage through weak and cheap statements,” she said.
According to Ms Mhagama, the ongoing voter listing
by way of BVR technology was among major preparations being undertaken
by the government to ensure the October polls are free and fair
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