6 more collect CCM forms

The field now includes a virtually unknown official working at party headquarters 

By Peter Nyanje ,The Citizen Reporter

In Summary

• Dr Mohammed Gharib Bilal, Mr Edward Lowassa, Dr John Magufuli, Mr Frederick Sumaye and Mr Ali Karume officially enter the race

Dodoma. A little known Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) official joined heavyweights such as Vice President Dr Mohammed Gharib Bilal and former premiers Edward Lowassa and Frederick Sumaye to pick up the party’s nomination forms for the presidency.

Mr Amos Siyatemi, who works in the party’s Foreign Affairs Department, joined the long list of those seeking to take over from President Jakaya Kikwete in October.

Unlike Wednesday when there was little drama as aspirants picked up their forms, a huge crowd of people believed to be Mr Edward Lowassa’s supporters turned up to witness him collect the forms at the CCM White House headquarters in Dodoma.

There was also a light moment when Works minister Dr John Magufuli made a silent entry before evading a pack of Journalists who have been receiving feed-back from all those who pick up the forms.

Dr Bilal whose silent and late entry in the race on Wednesday had raised eyebrows also drew some considerable interest, telling journalists that he jumped in following persistent plodding by many of his political associates and supporters.  

The youthful Siyatemi was the first to pick up the forms yesterday during which he declared that his aim was to bring a new image and ideas to the ruling party. His campaign slogan is “New Image, New Ideas”.

Mr Siyatemi promised to establish national principles to guide whichever party won elections.

 “Many developed nations do this, US, UK, China, have national principles which every national leader is committed to. For instance, we all know that when it comes to terrorism, the US has no policy of negotiating with terrorists. It was so when (George) Bush was in power and it is still the same now when (Barack) Obama is ruling,” he said.

He was followed by Mr Frederick Sumaye, who rides on the achievements by the third phase government, in which he served as prime minister for a record 10 years.

He told reporters after picking up the forms that his government will focus on economic development as the main impetus to bring change in other sectors.

 “I believe that we will make achievements if we concentrate on building the economy. And I am not talking about the case now where our economy is growing at seven percent but common people do not feel it,” he said. He said it will be easier to address unemployment and poverty if the economy is strong.

“With strong economy we will be able to address all other problems such as poor social services,” he said.

Mr Sumaye said he would establish two specific bodies for fighting corruption, economic sabotage and drugs trafficking and abuse.

Dr Bilal said he has decided to contest the top office after carefully weighing advice and encouragement from people whom he respects.

“If you ask me why I am here, I will simply tell you that I want the presidency. In this race my slogan is “Change within Unity,” he told reporters after collecting the nomination forms. Dr Bilal said economic transformation and improving accountability will be at the core of the functions of the government that he would form.

On accountability, Dr Bilal said there is indication that the situation was not promising. He said he will adopt zero tolerance against public servants who do not deliver.

When his turn came, Mr Lowassa said he was tired of being implicated in alleged corruption. He made this remark when responding to a question on the attacks directed at him by other aspirants.

“I believe in fair competition and I have no plan to fail in this race. I want anyone with evidence linking me to any corruption deal to lay it open,” he said. The Monduli MP was forced to resign following the 2008 Richmond power scandal.

He also promised CCM workers at the headquarters that he would improve their welfare.

Earlier, Ambassador Ali Karume, who also competed for the post ten years ago, said he has all the qualities which CCM was looking for this year’s race.

 “I have studied in the US in the same university which President (Barack) Obama went. I am an economist and I am capable of making Tanzania prosperous economically,” he said.

He said he is also experienced as he has worked locally and internationally in various fields.

He promised to unite all factions within the ruling party and ensure that all people who have ability will be given the opportunity to lead.

In an unprecedented move, the minister for Works, Dr Magufuli, who was the last to collect nomination forms yesterday, evaded journalists.  He spoke briefly with photojournalists who are allowed into the room where the forms are being picked up.

He told them that he was not ready to talk to the press until he went through the nomination.

Today three members are scheduled to collect the forms. They are Prof Sospeter Muhongo, Mr Samuel Sitta and Dr Titus Kamani.