Stay 200 meters away from polling stations – Tanzania High Court

Tanzanian voters will now have to keep at least 200 meters away from polling stations once they cast their ballot. This is the ruling made by the Tanzanian High Court Friday.

The ruling was delivered amid contestation by the opposition Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema), that has consistently accused CCM of planning to rig the election.

The High Court said that voters have no business staying at the polling centers once they have cast their ballot.

Further, the Court argued that the elections act is clear and nobody, with exception of polling clerks and party agents, should hang near polling stations.

The case, pitting the ruling party against the opposition, was filed following remarks by the opposition calling on its supporters to remain at the polling stations to guard their votes once the voting is complete.

The opposition has been apprehensive about the conduct of the election by the National Electoral Commission (NEC) arguing that it will be influenced by the ruling party.

On the other hand, CCM accused the opposition of lack of confidence and thus the call to its supporters to guard their votes once cast.

On Monday, the National Electoral Commission (NEC) dispelled claims that it was following orders from the ruling party.

NEC chair Justice (Rtd.) Damian Lubuva said that the electoral commission is an independent entity and will not be influenced by anybody in whatsoever way.

Justice Lubuva said the electoral commission will conduct the poll in a free and fair manner.

The issue has been contentious dividing the country into two opposing factions with those supporting the opposition saying that it is their right to guard their votes and ensure no electoral malpractices.

On the other hand, those supporting the ruling party say they are confident the electoral commission will execute its mandate as per the constitution and called on their opponents to respect the electoral guidelines.

This year’s election pits Magufuli against Lowassa in what has been seen as the toughest contest since the re-introduction of multiparty democracy.

Chadema hopes to cash on its youthful supporters to dislodge CCM from power having ruled for 38 years.

CCM was formed on February 5th, 1977 upon the merging of Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) – the ruling party on the mainland – bad Afro-Shiranzi of Zanzibar island.

The election is set for Sunday and it is the fifth since re-introduction of multipartysim. The winner takes over as the fifth President succeeding President Jakaya Kikwete who retires after serving the maximum two-year term.