Chadema Regional Chair says authorities must respect democracy and let voters choose freely. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
Shinyanga— As Tanzania gears up for local government elections on November 27, tensions and competing visions dominate the political landscape in Shinyanga Region. Emmanuel Ntobi, Chairman of Chadema in Shinyanga, has made an impassioned plea for fair play, calling on authorities, including regional and district commissioners as well as security forces, to respect the democratic process and allow voters to freely elect their leaders.
Speaking at the launch of Chadema’s regional campaign in Masekelo Ward yesterday on 20th November 2024, Ntobi criticized what he described as systemic interference in the electoral process. “Tanzania is a democratic nation founded on the principles of multiparty competition. Our constitution demands that elections be free and fair. Let the people decide without intimidation,” he said.
Ntobi’s remarks come amid mounting allegations of irregularities, including the registration of underage individuals. He condemned efforts to manipulate voter rolls by enlisting students too young to vote. “When we teach children to lie about their age, we set a dangerous precedent for dishonesty in leadership. We must act responsibly to protect the integrity of our democratic system,” he warned.
The Chadema chairman further called on security forces and election officers to refrain from bias, emphasizing that their role is to ensure peace and justice. “We will accept the results if, and only if, the elections are conducted fairly. Any tampering with the process will not go unanswered,” he declared, underscoring the party's readiness to contest any injustices.
Ntobi also addressed the economic challenges facing Shinyanga residents, pledging that Chadema-led councils would remove unnecessary fees and taxes that burden the community. He promised practical measures, including free public services like issuing permits and certifying documents. “Chadema’s vision is about empowering the people, not exploiting them. Our leaders will serve with integrity and transparency,” he assured.
Infrastructure issues also took center stage, with Ntobi highlighting the dire state of roads leading to Shinyanga’s referral hospital. “The roads to the hospital are a nightmare, turning simple trips into life-threatening ordeals for patients. We must prioritize essential infrastructure to improve health outcomes and ensure dignity for all citizens,” he said.
On youth and economic empowerment, Ntobi stressed the importance of fair access to government loans, particularly the 10% allocated to women, youth, and people with disabilities. He vowed that Chadema’s local leaders would ensure transparency and accountability in disbursing these funds, enabling young people to engage in productive ventures that uplift families and communities.
While Chadema rallies its supporters, the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) is projecting confidence. Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe, who is also a member of CCM’s National Executive Council, launched the party’s regional campaign in Bubiki Ward, Kishapu District, declaring that CCM has already secured 77% of local seats unopposed.
“CCM has fielded candidates across nearly all wards, while opposition parties have only managed to contest 23%. This shows our strength and commitment to development,” Bashe said. He urged citizens to turn out in large numbers to vote for CCM candidates, promising that the party’s leadership would bring tangible progress.
Bashe highlighted key government initiatives under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, including investments in agriculture, infrastructure, and access to clean water. He pledged that every village in Shinyanga would have access to safe water from Lake Victoria before the 2025 General Election. Additionally, he announced plans to boost cotton farming through free seed distribution, pesticide provision, and increased access to agricultural extension officers.
Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe fires up the CCM campaign launch in Shinyanga on November 2oth, 2024.Photo: Courtesy
In a move to address past irregularities in the agricultural sector, Bashe vowed to investigate thefts of treated cotton seeds from farmer cooperatives, warning that any ginneries found complicit in purchasing stolen seeds would face permanent closure. “Stealing treated seeds is not just theft; it’s economic sabotage and a threat to public health. We will not tolerate this,” he said.
The campaign mood across Shinyanga is further shaped by criticism of the electoral framework overseen by the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG). Opposition groups have raised alarms over the disqualification of numerous candidates, which they claim undermines democratic competition. Chadema has also expressed concern about a court case filed by activist Bob Chacha Wangwe, challenging the legality of the process, which remains unresolved as election day nears.
Meanwhile, regional leaders within CCM, including Shinyanga MPs Boniphace Butondo and Patrobas Katambi, urged voters to avoid “mixing leadership” by electing opposition candidates. “For development to flow seamlessly, we need CCM leaders at every level,” Katambi said, touting the party’s ability to deliver on its promises.
CCM Regional Chairman Mabala Mlolwa echoed these sentiments, framing the election as an opportunity to reward President Samia for her contributions to Shinyanga’s development. He cited the provision of tractors to local farmers and infrastructure upgrades as evidence of the party’s commitment to improving lives.
The November 27 local government elections in Shinyanga are shaping up to be a defining moment for democracy and governance in Tanzania. For Chadema, these elections represent a fight for fairness and an opportunity to confront a political system they believe undermines the principles of multiparty democracy.
With numerous candidates from opposition parties disqualified, Chadema is urging its supporters to stand firm and demand a process that respects the will of the people.
For CCM, this election is a chance to solidify its political dominance and advance its development agenda under President Samia Suluhu Hassan. With the ruling party already holding 77% of the seats unopposed, CCM has promised to maintain its focus on delivering tangible progress, from infrastructure improvements to agricultural reforms that directly impact citizens’ livelihoods.
Controversy looms over the process, as these elections are being overseen by the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG) despite a legal challenge from constitutional advocate Bob Chacha Wangwe. The unresolved petition and disqualification of opposition candidates have sparked debates about the inclusiveness and fairness of the elections, raising broader questions about the future of democratic competition in Tanzania.
Shinyanga’s voters are now faced with a critical choice that will reverberate far beyond their region. Their decisions will determine not only the local leadership but also the direction of governance and the strength of democratic principles in the country.
Both Chadema and CCM have framed this election as pivotal—Chadema as a chance to bring justice and reform, and CCM as a platform to deliver stability and development. The stakes are immense, and the power lies with the citizens. By turning out to vote and engaging in this process, they hold the key to shaping their communities and reaffirming the enduring spirit of democracy.
