Lowassa, Magufuli step up campaigns ahead of polls

Lowassa, Magufuli step up campaigns ahead of polls

It is exactly 41 days to Tanzania’s presidential elections slated for October 25th, 2015 and presidential hopefuls are traversing the extensive country in a vote-hunting mission.

The main leading contestants, Edward Lowassa of the opposition Chadema and the ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi’s (CCM) John Pombe Magufuli have taken their campaigns a notch higher in what has been described as the country’s historical election.

On Sunday, Lowassa’s Chadema stepped up its campaigns in an effort to unseat CCM in the October polls.

Chadema's Presidential Candidate edward Lowassa
Chadema’s Presidential Candidate Edward Lowassa

Lowassa led his team to Dodoma, a region perceived as CCM’s stronghold for over 50 years, and that is also home to the ruling party.

Chadema has successfully been making inroads into areas that have for years been seen as CCM’s stronghold including Dodoma, Mbeya and Tanga.

Both Lowassa and Magufuli have been marshalling their numerical strengths in both the National Assembly and in the country at large.

Lowassa’s hope is that the crowds that have been flocking his campaign rallies can translate into votes, when the 24 million registered voters in Tanzania go to the polls in October.

Chadema's campaigns in Dodoma
Chadema’s campaigns in Dodoma

The coalition which brings together four main opposition parties in Tanzania is pledging key reforms and shift in the country’s management, should it end CCM’s 50 years of political dominance.

Lowassa was among CCM luminaries eyeing the ruling party’s ticket, but bolted after he was locked out of the nominations.

The opposition coalition then embraced him and handed him the key to unlock CCM’s political vault, in the President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete succession.

President Jakaya Kikwete, Presideny Dr. Shein Ali, John Pombe Magufuli
President Jakaya Kikwete, Presideny Dr. Shein Ali, John Pombe Magufuli

On the other hand, Magufuli concentrated his campaigns in Simiyu and Mara areas. The two areas are inhabited by pastoral communities that are the main opposition’s supporters.

Magufuli, however, skipped a rally in Kilimanjaro, another region perceived to be the stronghold of the opposition’s flag-bearer.

CCM Presidential Candidate John Pombe Magufuli
CCM Presidential Candidate John Pombe Magufuli

Magufuli, a renowned workhorse and no-nonsense public administrator is riding on the principle of prudent management of resources and effective implementation of development projects to win the hearts and minds of Tanzanians.

Lowassa and Magufuli are among the eight contenders cleared by the National Electoral Commission (NEC) to run for the presidency in the October 25th polls.

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John Pombe Magufuli John Magufuli Chadema Edward Lowassa CCM Chama Cha Mapinduzi Edward Ngoyai Lowassa Lowassa Magufuli step up campaigns ahead of polls Ukawa

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