Quest for
democracy
By Kizito Makoye & Timothy Kitundu
As the voters’ registration exercise kicked off in the Coastal Zone
on Tuesday, a great number of Dar es Salaam residents queued up in registration
centres to have their details taken, perhaps indicating an increased political
awareness since the multi-party system was adopted over a decade ago.
The Express visited various places in Dar es Salaam, and can affirm that
prospective voters were eager to register for the forthcoming parliamentarian
and presidential elections in October. The process of registration is not
complicated but it is efficient in its security. When you go into the centre,
two pictures are taken of you with a special camera, and the photos are ready
straight away. One is put onto your voter’s plastic card, on which are printed
the details (name, age and so on) which you have given to the official. The
other photo is kept at the centre, along with a record of those same details. So
if you’re thinking of flying off to Moshi, registering there, then to Mwanza,
registering there … forget it! An electronic data base will soon connect these
places. But don’t lose your electoral identity card, whatever you do, it’s for
life and you won’t be able to vote without it.
At Mlimani Primary School and University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) centres,
university students waited patiently as registrars and photographers were busy
taking down peoples’ details and snapping their faces.
“I had a feeling that it is important to register right from the beginning,
bearing in mind the designated dates for the exercise are numbered …as I am
speaking to you I am already registered,” said Hidaya Masoud at UDSM.
According to the Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Yussuf Makamba, an
estimated 309,923 voters are expected to register in the Ukonga constituency,
followed by Ubungo (274,223), Temeke (249,237), Kinondoni (190,476), Kigamboni
(167,765), Kawe (114,400) and Ilala (70,738).
Speaking to The Express many residents seem much more aware of the country’s
political climate compared to a decade ago, when Tanzanians went to the polls
for the first time with multiple parties.
“I think the essence of having many political parties is to let democracy take
its own course, everywhere in the world the multi-party system has been widely
seen as a more democratic way by which people can express their opinion,” said
Huruma Mapembe, a political science student at UDSM.
“I think if the opposition get the majority in the parliament, then it is a
challenge for the ruling party (CCM) and an opportunity for the opposition to
develop where CCM ended,” he added.
Huruma however said that ever since political pluralism was introduced, there
have not been remarkable changes in peoples mentalities, as most of them still
are obsessed with single party ideologies.
Lydia Mwaisyula, a nurse, said: “Voting is my constitutional right, and it is
important as it reflects one’s ability to think rationally. I am not sure if the
opposition will win both presidential and parliamentary elections because they
are still too weak.”
The registration exercise in Coastal Zone ends on April 18, and it is estimated
that over one million people will register in Dar es Salaam Region alone. A
similar exercise is also under way in Coast and Morogoro regions.
However, according to Chausiku Kajiru, assistant registration clerk at Bunge
Primary School centre, the attendance from morning to noon on Tuesday was poor
because most people living in the vicinity are public employees and students at
the Institute of Finance Management (IFM), who prefer to register after work
hours.
But she admitted that they have acquired enough skills that should enable them
to finish the exercise as planned.
Political analysts believe that the multi-party system has gradually been
understood by most people in the country. In 1995 and 2000 the awareness of the
system was low.
Prof. Rwekiza Mukandara of UDSM said it has often been the case when elections
draw near that people become more aware of political matters. This year people
are particularly anxious.
He further said that with the establishment of the voters’ register, awareness
has increased, as political parties are trying their best to mobilise people
throughout the country to participate in the general election.
Nationwide opinion polls conducted in November 2004 by Research and Education
for Democracy in Tanzania (REDET) of UDSM, indicated that the ruling party was
preferred by an overwhelming majority.
About 74 per cent of all the respondents said that they would have voted for a
CCM presidential candidate. CUF came second with 9.4 percent of all the
respondents. Other political parties all scored marginal figures.
Questions
1. Are you planning to vote in the general elections?
2. What do you expect will happen if the opposition get the majority in
parliament?
3. Did you know that voters’ registration started in Dar es Salaam this week?
4. Did you vote in the past elections?
5. How has Tanzania changed since multi-party elections were introduced?
6. Is it important to vote?
Sauda Addey, Public Servant
1. Yes. I am planning to vote in the coming general elections if God
wishes, I mean if I am alive. I cannot affirm that I will because I do not know
if I will be alive or not.
2. Truly for me it is hard to predict. But I believe that it is almost
impossible for the opposition to get majority seats in Parliament. It is obvious
that the ruling CCM will still have a majority in Parliament.
3. Yes, I knew about the voters’ register and the commencement of the
registration date because I have access to the media.
4. Yes, I remember having voted in all past elections.
5. The only change that I can say I have noted is the introduction of the
permanent voters’ register which was not in place before.
6. Yes, it is very important to vote because by so doing, I will be exercising
my constitutional as well as my citizenship rights.
Iddi Ally, Businessman
1. I will vote if God wishes and by that I mean if I am alive.
2. It is only through voting that we may have or have not the majority of
opposition in parliament. It is also through voting that we pray to God to give
us the best leaders. The majority or minority does not count as long as they are
through the polls.
3. The voters’ register is a very good exercise because it will enable every
registered voter to exercise her/his voting right.
4. This has created a wider freedom of Tanzanians to choose through voting for
candidates that can lead them. The party to which the leaders belong does not
count much but the important thing is the qualifications of the candidates.
Multi-party provides just an opportunity for political diversity.
5. Voting is very important in two aspects; to have democratically elected
leaders and also for voters to exercise their citizenship rights.
First hurdle
cleared
By Kizito Makoye
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation,
Jakaya Kikwete has officially returned the nomination forms for the candidature
for the presidency.
In an interview with The Express yesterday, Kikwete said: “I did not say
anything particular in my speech apart from thanking Almighty God for giving me
strength to travel by air and road throughout the country seeking for trustees,
I am thankful for having secured 10,035 trustees.”
He further said: “I thank President Benjamin Mkapa and Prime Minister, Frederick
Sumaye for allowing me to take leave to fulfil the crucial obligations.”
CCM Central Committee will sift the names and take only five to the National
Executive Committee (NEC). The NEC too will go through the names and forward
only three to the delegates’ congress. The congress will vote for a name to be
declared CCM candidate in May.
Minister warns
security firms
By Kizito Makoye
The government has given a warning to private security companies against forming
brigades, at the request of some opposition parties in the run-up to the general
elections.
The Deputy Minister for Home Affairs, Capt. John Chiligati, said over the
weekend that it is only the Commander in Chief who, according to the
constitution, has the mandate to form the army. The government has consistently
banned parties from forming any brigades.
Chiligati made the announcement in the course of his scheduled tour to private
security companies in Dar es Salaam, as he was inspecting their various
activities.
The debate over ‘private armies’ emerged last year when CHADEMA, an opposition
party, claimed that it was in the process of forming its own brigade.
The party claimed just after the local elections that, to contest on a level
playing field, they should have an ‘army’ of their own.
In an interview with The Express last year, the Registrar of Political Parties,
John Tendwa, vehemently refuted that the youth groups which political parties
were allowed to possess were ever meant to be armies.
Chiligati said that, before the security companies recruit people, it is
important that they take finger prints of the candidates, and verify with the
police that they have not been involved in any criminal activities.
The Minister said that the government had decided to allow private security
companies to ease the burden of responsibilities from weighing too heavily upon
the police, which could not adequately guarantee security to people and their
property.
Mkapa visits
Morogoro-Dodoma road restoration
By Timothy Kitundu
President Benjamin Mkapa, together with the Acting Head of
Delegation of the European Commission (EC) in Tanzania, Dr. Antonio Lopez Pena,
will, on Saturday April 2, take part in laying a foundation stone for the
Morogoro-Dodoma Road restoration.
Neema Kambona, EC Press and Information Officer, said Tuesday in a statement
that the Morogoro-Dodoma road Rehabilitation project forms part of a Backlog
Maintenance Programme of the Central Corridor, financed by the EC with funds
from the 8th European Development Fund (EDF), worth Euro 42 million (Tsh. 58
billion).
“The programme also include rehabilitation works to be carried out on the
Mandela Expressway in Dar es Salaam, but the work has now been delayed until
early 2006, when further funding from the EC will be requested by the Tanzanian
government,” she added.
According to Kambona, the work contract for the Morogoro-Dodoma Road, worth Tsh.
25 billion was signed between TanRoads and the construction company, NCC
International in March 2005.
The project, according to her, began in July last year and is expected to reach
completion by the end of 2006. Pavement, drainage and bridges are to be
constructed.
She said the road is expected to form a vital link on the Central Corridor, and
will be supported by the EC-funded Mwanza/Shinyanga border-Tinde-Nzega road
upgrading, and the just completed reconstruction of the Mwanza urban roads
projects.
Pena said that he was confident that the facilitation of the flow of people and
goods along the Central Corridor will continue to contribute to economic growth
and poverty reduction in Tanzania and its neighbouring countries.
‘Stronger
alliance with religious leaders,’ says Mwinyi
By Kizitto Joseph
Former President, Ali Hassan Mwinyi has proposed collaboration with
religious leaders in the procedure of holding general elections, in order to get
good leaders chosen by the electorate.
Speaking over the weekend, during the closing ceremony of a workshop prepared to
facilitate religious leadership, Mwinyi said religious leaders have more
knowledge about the society than anybody else.
“I believe if there is mutual cooperation between religious leaders and election
officials, Tanzania will be blessed with good leaders,” he said.
He said that religious leaders are closer to the people and that people have
given them their trust; more than to any politician.
Therefore, Mwinyi called upon religious leaders to speak to their congregations
about the elections, instead of leaving the task to politicians and government
officials alone.
Pastor Robert Hillary, who also attended the workshop, called upon believers to
utilize their democratic rights by registering in the permanent voter’s book,
which started in Morogoro, Coast and Dar es Salaam regions, on March 29.
CUF
prepares to combat vote rigging
By Merline Mhamaka, Morogoro
The National Chairman of the Civic United Front (CUF), Professor
Ibrahim Lipumba, said on Sunday last week that his party is preparing agents in
every constituency in Morogoro district, in order to avoid vote thefts.
Lipumba announced this before beginning his tour, which started on Tuesday, with
the aim of sensitising the public to register in the Permanent Voter’s Register
in the Eastern Zone.
CUF agents will be given motorbikes, enabling them to carry out their tasks more
efficiently.
Lipumba said that, in the coming presidential, parliamentary and councillor
elections, CUF projects to secure more than 100 parliamentary seats, provided
there is no vote rigging.
CUF pledges that it will control all tax exemptions to investors, to increase
the country’s revenue and help in solving problems confronting the Tanzanian
community.
People with
HIV get own council
By Angela Mazula
The chairman of TACAIDS, Major General Herman Lupogo has reminded people that
HIV/AIDS can only be transmitted by those who live with the disease.
Lupogo said this when speaking in Dar es Salaam at the workshop on approving the
Constitution of the National Council of People Living with HIV/AIDS (NACOPHA) in
collaboration with TACAIDS at Travertine yesterday.
The aim of the workshop is to create awareness of NACOPHA.
Mpendwa Abinery, Chairperson of NACOPHA, said that we will strive to support
people living with HIV/AIDS and facilitate long-term continued dialogue with
leaders.
She added that this will enhance advancement and acquirement of social, economic
and political rights those living with HIV/AIDS, who are at risk of being denied
their rights as human beings due to poor health, stigmatization and
discrimination.
Get tough with
top drug dealers – Archbishop
By Sebastian Gabunga, Mwanza
The Archbishop of Mwanza Catholic Archdiocese, His Grace Anthony Mayalla, has
urged for efforts to deal with drug barons, despite their position in society.
Mayalla gave the challenge during Easter Eve celebrations, held at Epiphania
Cathedral, Bugando, in Mwanza Archdiocese.
“What is striking”, he said, “is that the institutions responsible deal with
petty drug traders, but leave the top drug barons alone”.
Those organising the trade have left many youths affected and dependent on
drugs, he said.
Europe agrees
to support Mwanza’s water service
By Sebastian Gabunga, Mwanza
The European Union (EU) and the German government have agreed in principle to
donate to a project that will strengthen infrastructure, especially improving
water services in Mwanza City.
The Executive Director of Mwanza Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (MWAUWASA),
Zephania Mihayo, said the donors have agreed to provide Tsh. 45 million for the
project’s implementation.
Mihayo issued the statement following complaints from the Islamic Orphanage
Foundation management, who claimed that although they had a network of water
pipes at the centre, they were not provided with sufficient water.
The Foundation Executive Director, Nassib Issa, told MWAUWASA management that
sometimes the centre with 238 orphans could lack water for a week.
Mihayo said the Authority is doing all within its power to raise water
production, and projected that the problem would be completely solved in one and
a half year’s time, thanks to the donations.
Farmers
versus cowboys
By Frank Mbunda, Kilombero
Some of residents in Kilombero District want the instructions made
by the Morogoro Regional Commissioner, Stephen Mashishanga, just two yrs ago, to
be carried out forthwith. These ordered all pastoralists who have invaded
farming and game controlled areas to be expelled.
The areas that have been invaded by these animal herders are in Mlimba and Mgeta
parishes, located at Ikwambi, Mofu Ngalimila, Mpanga, Utengule and Masagati
villages.
Residents who have got this problem directed their complaints to the Kilombero
District Commissioner, Dr. Deogratius Mwita saying he allows the herders
(pastoralists) to continue with their activities in the areas, while he knows
that the RC stopped all activities involving the grazing herds.
Talking to The Express who visited the areas recently, some of the residents,
especially farmers, said ignoring the order of the RC is now risking the life of
the farmers and herders, because the number of the pastoralists entering in the
areas day by day is increasing, and the indications of fighting between farmers
and breeders are very open.
Pascal Mhelela, a resident of Ngalimila village, said delaying or ignoring the
instructions of the RC, (that he should move out the pastoralists and their
animals from the farming and controlled areas), as the DC of Kilombero has
ignored them, surprises all the people in the district.
He said this is why, last year, residents in Kilombero suggested to the higher
government to banish (to transfer to Liwale) the former district commissioner
David Holela, because he was also opposing the order made before by the RC, but
now they find to their surprise, why, even the new DC is doing the same.
“I am also a farmer and we are so many here, but what we are seeing now is how
the DC and his team are risking the life of people if fighting happens, which
will be caused by these controversial leaders,” said Mhelela.
Another villager at Utengule Village, Peter Singota, cautioned that the silence
of the government on this problem will lead to a big disaster, such as a
conflict between farmers and cattle-breeders, like what happened a few years ago
at Ludewa village in Kilosa District.
He said farmers are not ready to see their crops destroyed by the animals while
the government closes its eyes.
“Every farmer is ready to fight up to the last drop of blood against the
pastoralists, because we cannot wait for the action of the government while our
crops are ruined,” insisted Singota.
He continued by saying farmers think that maybe there is a big friendship
between the DC and the pastoralists, because they get authentic news that the DC
sometimes meets unofficially with the animal herders and encourages them to
continue with their activities, which leads them to boast that no one can move
them from the farming areas.
Kilombero DC, Dr. Mwita accepted that there is a big problem in the area, but he
is trying to solve it by talking with both parties.
Dr. Mwita said it is true that the instruction made by the RC, are delayed in
being fulfilled, because his office team were talking to both parties in order
to solve the dispute, although he knows that the delay can cause a big problem.
“We have asked them (farmers) to wait till the government have decided how to
work on the problem about these herders who have pounced upon their farming
areas,” added Dr. Mwita.
He refuted that, he was meeting on friendly terms with the pastoralists and he
doesn’t know where this news comes from.
Meanwhile an investigation done by The Express revealed that the DC was handling
the pastoralists with velvet gloves because they are one of the income sources
of the Kilombero Municipality, and he was telling them that to be there is not a
mistake but is the policy of the government.
One source of this story said, the DC were forcing even ward officers not to
disturb the cow herders because the order made from the RC has no power,
according to the laws of this country.
Aid into
Africa reaches Kilimanjaro
By Kizito Makoye
Aid into Africa, a UK based non-governmental organisation committed
to helping children in Africa, has donated two forty foot containers of
educational and medical aid to Hai District, Kilimanjaro Region.
According to the organisation’s founder, Allen Cable, the consignment will
arrive in Dar es Salaam for transport to Hai in April.
“We are going to help some 20,000 orphans and a great many primary schools,”
promised a statement from the organisation.
According to Cable, this N.G.O has donated children clothes along with 1.7
million pencils and thousands of pens (10 tonnes) as well as medical aid.
“Last April we shipped 34 tonnes of aid and we supplied some 68 schools with
educational materials,” he added.
The idea behind Aid into Africa has its origins back in 1995 after Allen Cable,
a transport and logistics consultant based in Berkshire, England, went on a
holiday to Kenya and saw at first hand the massive problems faced by the
children on a day to day basis.
TUCTA
heralds World Safety Day
By Timothy Kitundu
Officials of Occupational Safety Health Environment and HIV/AIDS (OSHE),
of the Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (TUCTA), plan to hold a safety campaign
which will climax on April 28, to coincide with World Safety Day.
The Director of OSHE, Doctor Meja Kapalata, told OSHE Committee members from the
12 trade unions, at a recent meeting, that the main objective of the campaigns
is to sensitise employers and the government, on the importance of occupational
safety and health.
According to Dr. Kapalata, the campaign will be the second to be held in the
country following a similar campaign, which was held in 2003, which among other
activities included a number of occupational safety exhibitions and
demonstrations, from various work places.
He told The Express that this year’s campaign will be preceded by a press
conference, whereby members of the press will receive a briefing on the
importance of the campaign, and the significance of marking the World Safety day
and what it commemorates.
“This year’s campaign will see a number of activities taking place, including
the distribution of leaflets, flyers and brochures, all carrying messages
emphasising the importance of occupational safety and the adverse effects
brought about by non-adherence to the same,” he said.
A number of exhibitors are expected to participate. A procession will be held as
the climax of the celebrations.
According to Dr. Kapalata, representatives from the 12 unions under the auspices
of TUCTA will participate in the procession, followed by a function at Mnazi
Mmoja grounds.
World Safety day is also commemorated by the International Labour Organization (ILO),
to remember workers who have died in occupational accidents.
Minister
highlights new TB treatment policy
By Sebastian Gabunga, Mwanza
The Minister for Health, Anna Abdallah, has said that, starting from next
financial year, treatment for tuberculosis (TB) will be reduced from eight to
six months.
Abdallah said this when addressing the public during the Tuberculosis
International Day celebrations, held at national level in Mwanza City.
TB patients will start using a mixture of tablets where one tablet will contain
four medicines at a go. This step, she said, will reduce greatly the number of
tablets the sick person has to swallow at one time.
From now on, she added, the patient will have to swallow two or three tablets
daily, but for just six months.
The target is to reduce the incidence of TB by 50 per cent before 2015 as
defined in the Millennium Development Goals.
The Manager of the TB and Leprosy Control Project, Dr. Said Egwaga, said TB
patients had increased from 11,000 in 1983 to 66,000 last year.
Hyena,
crocodile kill two
By Kim Aidan, Morogoro
Two people have died in two separate accidents occurring in Morogoro Region. One
incident saw a woman being killed by a hyena when returning from tending her
cows, at Reshata area in Kilosa District.
Morogoro Regional Police Commander (RPC), Steven Ngowi, said that on Sunday at
Kanyenja Village, Mang’ula Division, in Kilombelo District, Sama Nasibu (7) was
caught and killed by a crocodile while swimming in Mkata River.