Chadema, State in war of words over elections

Chadema chairman Freeman Mbowe (right) confers with Secretary-General Willibrod Slaa in Dar es Salaam yesterday during the party’s central committee meeting.  PHOTO | VENANCE NESTORY 

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