Magufuli, Lowassa put up spirited campaigns as elections near

Campaigns for the forthcoming presidential elections in Tanzania have gathered pace with the ruling party’s candidate Dr. John Pombe Magufuli and the opposition’s Edward Lowassa pitching camps in the vote rich Manyara and Arusha provinces.

With just 19 days to the poll, Magufuli of Chama Cha Mapinduzi is campaigning on a platform of building on the country’s solid foundation while UKAWA coalition’s Lowassa is asking citizens to vote for positive change.

On Tuesday, CCM was on a grueling tour of the region, campaigning in Karatu, Monduli and finally Arusha town.

The provinces are rich in votes and are key to the country’s growing tourism industry. Magufuli promised to pump in resources to improve the sector.

Magufuli would reach out to women, who form a substantial voting bloc, saying the gender equity is at the heart of CCM and that is why he chose a female running mate, Samia Suluhu Hassan.

On the other hand, Lowassa pitched tent in Monduli, to bid his former constituents farewell as well as consolidate support in his home turf.

But the opposition cried foul over allegations of intimidation by police throughout their campaigns in the two provinces.

Lowassa, who was in company of his wife Regina Lowassa, said the coalition would remain united and was confident of wrestling the presidency from CCM.