In Tanzania, 29 million voters will be called to the polls on October 28. The country holds presidential, legislative and local elections.
The vote takes place in a tense context following violence on Tuesday in Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous region that voted one day in advance. The opposition accuses the police of killing a dozen people who protested against attempted fraud. Police denied having shot anyone.
as reported from Nairobi, Sebastien Nemeth
In Tanzania, fifteen candidates are vying for the presidency, including the outgoing head of state, John Magufuli, 60, seeking another five-year term. This former chemist and professor voted on the morning of October 28 in Dodoma, the political capital. “Maintaining peace is a priority,” he said, encouraging Tanzanians to go to the polls. CCM member [«Chama cha Mapinduzi», «Parti de la révolution» en swahili], the party in power since independence in 1961, is John Magufuli, father of five, a practicing Catholic who enjoys singing in choirs.
He is also a controversial figure, especially when he claimed that there was no longer Covid-19 in Tanzania, especially thanks to the prayers of the people. Besides, the country has not published figures on the virus since April.
Throughout the campaign, the president has proclaimed his fight against corruption and the construction of infrastructure such as dams and railways. He also promised growth of 8%, although the World Bank still predicts 2.5% for this year.
Facing him are fourteen candidates, including main opponent Tundu Lissu, from the Chadema party. This 52-year-old lawyer, a reggae fan, returned to Tanzania in July after three years in exile. He had fled the country after an assassination attempt. He had received 16 bullets in his body. He fought for respect for human rights and insisted on the development of the population and not everywhere.
Suspicion of fraud
Tundu Lissu fights for a return of freedoms. Over the years, John Magufuli has been accused of restricting freedoms. In 2016, the government banned rallies and voting was suspended. For four years, at least a dozen media outlets have been subjected to temporary or permanent suspensions, according to the Journalists’ Protection Committee.
The opposition already accuses the power of attempted fraud, of a choice resembling a farce. For weeks, she has claimed to be a victim of intimidation and oppression. Several opponents have been arrested since Sunday, October 25th. This morning, Freeman Mbowe, chairman of Chademaa, reaffirmed that this evening “armed gangsters protected by the police” had invaded his hotel and kidnapped two bodyguards. “My life is in danger,” said the opponent.
Tonite at 2.30am and on the eve of an election day in Tz, heavily armed gangsters believed to be the infamous operators of Hai DC Ole Sabaya and protected by Hai Police OCD have looted our hotel, kidnapped and disappeared with two of our armed security guards. My life is in danger.
Freeman Mbowe (@freemanmbowetz) October 28, 2020
The Electoral Commission is suspected of being at the helm, especially since the invalidation of dozens of candidates for the legislative election. The opposition fears that John Magufuli will cheat to win and then change the constitution to remain in power indefinitely. . She has already warned that she will not accept stolen elections and that she will call for mass demonstrations in case of fraud.
