Sumaye: This delay could cost CCM dearly

 

Former Prime Minister, Frederick Sumaye 

By Sharon Sauwa

In Summary

Mr Sumaye, who is among prominent CCM members eyeing the top job, said yesterday that the nomination process could be flawed because of time constraints.

Dodoma. Former Prime Minister Frederick Sumaye has warned CCM that its delay in nominating candidates could hurt it in this year’s General Election.

Mr Sumaye, who is among prominent CCM members eyeing the top job, said yesterday that the nomination process could be flawed because of time constraints.

He added that CCM procedures, for instance, required presidential aspirants to go around the country, seeking the endorsement of party members from a number of regions.

“Presidential nomination forms were already out by this time in 2005, people had already sought endorsement across the country and the general congress, which picked the presidential candidate, was held in early May,” he said.

Mr Sumaye’s remarks come at a time when the ruling party has remained tight-lipped on when it would hold its meetings to pick its presidential and parliamentary candidates.

The marathon Budget session set to begin in Dodoma after about ten days will further complicate matters for the party.

It was announced earlier that the meetings would be pushed back to allow for the Constituent Assembly (CA) to finish its work as well as the referendum on the Proposed Constitution, which was initially was slated for April 30.

But the referendum was postponed indefinitely after the national Electoral Commission (NEC) failed to register voters in time.

Mr Sumaye said party members have yet to be told why there has been a delay in nominating candidates this year.

“We all know that there has been a delay this year, but I’m at a loss as to what has caused this delay,” he said.

But Mr Sumaye said the important thing was to make sure that the party does not miss deadlines set by NEC.

“Early or late nominations hurt both sides. If you are competing and you release the name of your candidate early, there is a possibility of that choice being attacked relentlessly by the other side, but if you delay in naming the candidate, there is also a danger that people will go into the polls with little knowledge about the candidate,” he said.

Mr Sumaye said what was important was to make sure that the nomination process was free and fair and give enough time to those who are considering to vie for various positions.

He said the nomination process should provide enough time for voters to know the candidates, something which would help them make informed decisions when they go to vote.

“If you have limited time there is a possibility that some people will be forced to vote for a person whom they don’t have enough information about,” he said.

Mr Sumaye said it was encouraging that the widening political awareness has created stiff political competition in the country.

He said this was healthy as it creates environments in which people are likely to get quality leaders.