IN what might have
reshaped the country's political landscape and perceptions, President
John Magufuli yesterday held dialogues with various leaders of
...
The secret talks
held separately with veteran politician Seif Sharif Hamad of ACT
Wazalendo, NCCR-Mageuzi Chairman, James Mbatia, and CUF Chairman, Prof
Ibrahim Lipumba marked a new dawn for multiparty politics ahead of the
2020 general elections.
Significantly, the
talks not only signified one of Tanzania's national values, unity, as
Seif acknowledged but also opened way for the moral participation of the
opposition in the country's muchlauded development endeavours fronted
by President Magufuli's fifth-phase regime.
Speaking after the talks, the three politicians applauded the socio-economic successes recorded under President Magufuli.
They appreciated the fact that the government has transformed the country's economy and improved delivery of social services.
Former Zanzibar
Vice- President Hamad, while expressing his delight to get an audience
with the Head of State, underscored the importance of upholding national
unity, peace and political harmony as prerequisites for the country's
development.
Mr Hamad, who is
also former CUF secretary general, hailed President Magufuli as an
open-minded leader, who is ready to listen to his citizens, saying they
were able to discuss a number of issues which aimed at building the
nation.
"I am happy that
the president has invited us and listened to our views... we have
discussed various issues on national interests such as upholding peace,
unity and tranquility," he said.
Prof Lipumba, a
renowned economist, commended the government's fight on corruption, good
control of public expenditure, protection of the country's resources,
improvement of education and health services as well as spearheading
economic growth.
The CUF Chairman
called upon Tanzanians to embed the spirit of patriotism and nationalism
by upholding the prevailing peace and principles of good governance.
Prof Lipumba faulted politicians who have been criticising everything being done by the government.
"The fifth phase
under the leadership of Dr Magufuli has addressed a number of issues
which were major concerns of opposition parties ... it is not right for
the parties to criticize things which the government has resolved for
example amendment of Mining Laws and fight against corruption," Prof
Lipumba said.
He called upon his
party members to be prepared for the coming general election scheduled
for later this year following the president's assurance of holding
peaceful polls.
For his side,
NCCR-Mageuzi leader, Mr Mbatia urged fellow politicians to appreciate
the great job done by the current government instead of mocking the
success recorded.
He commended the
government for improving various sectors despite the fact that there
were some people who mocked the successes recorded.
Mr Mbatia called
upon politicians to stop sending negative images on the country and
government and rather recognise the notable achievements under the
current regime, such as improvement of education sector and countrywide
electrification.
He was buoyed by
the president's assurance that the forthcoming general election will be
free and fair, a statement he issued when addressing members of the
diplomatic corps and reiterated during yesterday's meeting.
He said it is upon all stakeholders; citizens and political parties to avoid issues which will disrupt the country's peace.
Addressing
diplomats during a sherry party held at State House in the commercial
city in January this year Dr Magufuli said the government will also
allow international agencies and observers to come and monitor the polls
procedure.
The general
election slated for October, this year will be held to elect the
President, Members of Parliament and Councillors. "General election is
mandatory for any democratic nation like Tanzania.
Therefore, the
government is determined to embrace justice, transparency and freedom
during the election," said President Magufuli.
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