International

Tanzania’s ruling party faces battle to remain in power

Published

9 years ago

October 25, 2015

The eyes of the world is now focused on Tanzania as general elections are being staged across the country.
The polls will decide whether the ruling party will continue its 54-year rule or give way to a new coalition.
Final rallies were held on Saturday ahead of Sunday’s presidential and parliamentary elections. Though opinion polls have put the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party ahead, many people in Tanzania says the result is expected to be close.
Four opposition groups are backing one candidate, a former CCM member.
Some of the major issues for the almost 23m registered voters include access to clean water, improved health care and better education.
President Jakaya Kikwete, who is standing down after two terms, has called for peace ahead of the election, adding that “anyone who tries to cause trouble will be dealt with”.
The CCM was formed in 1977 from a merger of two post-colonial parties and has effectively been in power since independence in 1961

The main presidential candidates:
John Magufuli – Chame Cha Mapinduzi party
Tanzania’s works minister, Mr Magufuli, 55, has promised change and to improve on the pace of progress laid down by the previous CCM government.
He has promised to end the country’s power shortages and exploit Tanzania’s natural gas discoveries.
“My government will put emphasis on fighting corruption, job creation and industrialisation,” he said on Saturday.
He is nicknamed The Bulldozer for driving a programme to build roads across the country.
Edward Lowassa – Ukawa coalition
Mr Lowassa, 62, decided to leave the CCM when it did not pick him as its presidential candidate earlier this year. Four opposition parties rallied behind Mr Lowassa as a coalition candidate.
“We must stop being a nation of beggars,” he told a rally on Saturday. “It is a shame for Tanzania to still be poor after 54 years of independence.”
He has already served as prime minister, but had to resign over a corruption scandal in the energy sector. He continues to deny involvement in the scandal.
Credit: BBC Africa

RipplesNigeria …without borders, without fears

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now