Msuya endorses Membe in CCM nomination race

Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Bernard Kamillius Membe (Left) and Former Prime Minister Cleopa Msuya (Right) 

By Rehema Matowo The Citizen Correspondent

In Summary

Mr Msuya said he had remained silent during succession debates because he did not want to discuss individuals instead of attributes that were the yardsticks for the best candidate.
He said the party should nominate clean members for all elective posts, including parliamentary and civic seats.    

Mwanga. Former Prime Minister Cleopa Msuya yesterday endorsed Foreign Affairs minister Bernard Membe for nomination as CCM’s presidential candidate.

Wishing Mr Membe well in his bid to succeed President Kikwete, Mr Msuya said he hoped CCM would settle on the minister as its flag-bearer in the October 25 elections.

The former premier said Mr Membe meets the criteria set by the party for the type of candidate to run for president.

“CCM should not waste time looking for another person. We need a leader with a clean record...Mr Membe is clean. He has a good track record,” he said.

Mr Msuya was speaking shortly after welcoming Mr Membe when he paid him a courtesy call at his home in Mwanga District.

The minister was in the district to seek the endorsement of CCM members.

Mr Msuya said he had remained silent during succession debates because he did not want to discuss individuals instead of attributes that were the yardsticks for the best candidate.

He said the party should nominate clean members for all elective posts, including parliamentary and civic seats.

“Nominating incorruptible members will enable the ruling party to win the elections easily as voters will be sure of the people they are voting for,” he said.

Mr Msuya said the party must fight corruption by deeds, adding that those who have been accused of involvement in corruption should not be considered.

“Let’s not nominate people who have been involved in or accused of corruption. Such people will fail the party. We need clean people,” he said.

In his brief remarks, Mr Membe said he had been bouyed by Mr Msuya’s endorsement, adding that he would not disappoint him in his desire for clean and committed leadership should the party endorse him in Dodoma next month.