Observers, opposition disregard credibility of Tanzania election

By Our Correspondent, DODOMA Tanzania

As the Tanzania National Electoral Commission and it's regional agents start announcing the 2020 general elections results early today, foreign observers have joined the country's opposition in disregarding credibility of the election.

Evidence of ballot tampering orchestrated by the Electoral Commission in favor of ruling party CCM

In a statement issued by an independent initiative of East and Southern Africa's civil society and the International Federation for Human Rights observing Tanzania's electoral process 2020; the observers said that unfortunately, they can't say that the elections in Tanzania were credible.

In the bold statement signed by Co-Chairpersons; Professor Frederick Ssempebwa (Uganda), Retired Judge Dr. Willy Mutunga (Kenya) and Alice Mogwe (Botswana) says that the election processes was marred with unbearable irregularities.

"We are concerned that the incidents reported so far in the process bear questions on the credibility of the electoral process." Said the panel adding that there were arrests of candidates including Halima Mdee, Upendo Peneza (both female) and others on election day.

"There was massive deployment and participation of the Tanzanian military and police force in an erstwhile civilian process as witnessed predominantly in Zanzibar islands and Tanzania mainland."

The panel expressed concern over six areas as reported deaths of innocent civilians in Tanzania and mainly in the Islands of Pemba and Unguja, shutdown of the internet from October 27 and mobile service limitation.

"Complaints of opposition polling agents being thrown out of polling station or barred from accessing the station to observe polling and counting processes with some reportedly attacked or arrested by police." Said the statement.

Another panelist, Dr. Miriam Matembe, said: "This government prepared to remain in power and was ready to use all the machineries to see that happen. Tanzanians, preserve yourselves before going out to protest. Think about your life first because you can get killed,"

On his part, the main challenger of incumbent president, Tundu Lissu of main opposition party CHADEMA, has called for mass democratic action against the outcome of the election.

Talking to the media this morning, he said there is concrete evidence of ballot tampering orchestrated by the Electoral Commission in favor of ruling party CCM. "We urgently call for mass democratic action in retaliation to this shameless election fraud in Tanzania." He said.

The outspoken politician said that voting reports indicated widespread irregularities in the form of preventing his polling and counting agents from accessing polling stations. "Stuffed ballot boxes were seized in Kawe constituency in Dar es Salaam city, and other parts of the country." Lissu said with a warning that mass democratic action will be the only option to protect the integrity of the election.

Reports from the Isles of Zanzibar where the chief opposition presidential candidate, Seif Sharrif Hamad also called for mass demonstration to demand their victory, says that the police force have arrested him and two other key party leaders

Hamad who is the party Chairperson for Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT_Wazalendo) has been arrested together with Vice Chair, Juma Duni Haji, member of central committee, Ismail Jussa and others at Michenzani area in Zanzibar.

According to the leader of ACT-Wazalendo, Zitto Kabwe, the police force have arrested the whole ACT leadership in Zanzibar and one of the leader was beaten to near death. "We are not sure if he is still alive and he is in custody." He said.

The ACT-Wazalendo claim that the security personnel in the Isles have killed more than ten civilians injuring tens of other.