Tanzania to know barred distance from polling centers on Friday

Tanzania’s High Court on Friday will rule on the contentious 200 meters radius distance from polling stations to be observed by voters.

The High Court postponed the ruling that was set for Wednesday to Thursday 1PM before moving it to Friday 11AM.

According to the Elections Act, voters are supposed to keep at least 200 meters away from polling centers once they cast their ballots.

However, the opposition party – Chama Cha Maendeleo na Demokrasia (Chadema) – has been apprehensive about the conduct of the election saying that there are plans to rig the poll in favor of the ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi’s candidate Dr. John Pombe Magufuli.

Chadema, which is being captained by Edward Ngoyai Lowassa, has consistently called on its supporters to remain at the polling stations to “guard” their votes from being “stolen”.

On the other hand, CCM says that the opposition has lost grip and is planning to disrupt the elections and possibly cause chaos should they be defeated.

CCM further argues that the call by the opposition is a show of lack of confidence.

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 presidential 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 multi-party democracy. The winner takes over as the fifth President succeeding President Jakaya Kikwete who retires after serving the maximum two-year term.