TLP supports Magufuli on political rallies

DAILY NEWS Reporter

THE National Chairman of TLP, Mr Augustino Mrema.

THE Tanzania Labour Party (TLP) has thrown its weight behind President John Magufuli’s directives for political parties to shun endless political rallies, forums and demonstrations to allow the citizens to engage in productive activities.

“It was just at the end of last year that we held the general elections where candidates from different political parties had had an opportunity to outline their priorities to the people. “Now it is time to walk the talk rather than engaging in endless political rallies,” the National Chairman of TLP, Mr Augustino Mrema, said in a statement.

The veteran politician and former cabinet minister expressed concern that the course to economic development would be sluggish if citizens are made to spend a better part of their time on rallies and demonstrations rather than productive activities.

“It should be understood as well that such political activities are not the priorities of people who voted the leaders. The people out there want improvement of social amenities such as education, health, water and infrastructure, among others,” Mr Mrema explained.

The former MP for Vunjo constituency in Kilimanjaro Region pointed to the fact that the national building agenda was not only for President Magufuli and the ruling party but all Tanzanians, regardless of their political affiliation.

“If political leaders insist on never-ending politicking it is obvious that they will not get enough time to fulfill pledges they made to voters on improving social services,” the politician observed.

He added: “When we were campaigning for votes, we did not promise the people of unending political activities; we had pledged to improve their welfare and that is what they expect.”

The TLP boss pointed further that it is the role of leaders of political parties to sensitise the general public towards engaging in productive activities.

As a poor country, Mr Mrema noted, Tanzania has to “run as others walk”, noting on the other hand the existing legislations that allow political parties to conduct their activities as part of democracy.

“However, as put in an English adage; ‘Uncontrolled Democracy is Ruinous’ and thus we should not allow this to happen in our country,” he explained