By Our
Staff Reporter, DAR ES SALAAM Tanzania
The government
of the United States of America has called for the Tanzania government and the authorities
in charge of managing the forthcoming general elections to maintain absolute
impartiality, rule of law and human rights during the electoral process.The US ambassador to Tanzania, Donald Wright (L) talking to President John Magufuli after presenting his credentials to the president
In a statement issued here by the
US Embassy on Tanzania’s upcoming elections, they support a genuinely free,
fair, transparent and peaceful electoral process, before, during and after Election
day.
“The conduct of upcoming elections
in Tanzania has important consequences not only for Tanzania, but for the
entire east Africa region. Tanzania’s history of peaceful multiparty elections stretching
back 25 years has made it a model on the continent.”
The statement said that the United
States government reaffirms unequivocally that it does not support any specific
candidate or party in Tanzania’s upcoming elections and that it supports the democratic
process itself.Tundu Lissu address his supporters in Karatu, Manyara region
Tanzania will hold its highly
anticipated elections on October 28 this year to elect union President,
President of Zanzibar, Members of Parliament and ward councillors. President John
Magufuli, who seeks re-election on the ticket long ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi
is facing strong opposition from prominent lawyer and former Member of
Parliament, Tundu Lissu of CHADEMA.
“The United States, along with
other democratic nations, will be paying close attention to actions of
individuals who interfere in the democratic process or instigate violence
against the civilian population before, during or after the elections.” The US
warned, adding that their government will not hesitate to consider consequences
for those found to be responsible for election-related violence or undermining
the democratic process.
Tanzania authorities have stepped up repression
of opposition parties, nongovernmental organizations, and the media ahead of
the country’s general elections on October 28, 2020.
Since mid-June, the government has arrested at least 17 opposition party members and critics of the government, suspended a rights group and cancelled the license of another, and blocked other major rights groups from observing the upcoming elections.
The convoy of Lissu’s running mate, Salum Mwalimu, being tear gassed by the Police in the eastern Ifakara village in Morogoro region |
The authorities have also imposed new
restrictions on the media, revoking the license of a newspaper affiliated with
an opposition member and restricting some news outlets.
The convoy of
Tanzanian opposition presidential candidate, Tundu Lissu, was on Monday
hit with police tear gas in Nyamongo area while on the way to Serengeti, in Mara
region, sparking heated confrontation between law enforcers and his
Chadema party.
According to
Chadema's Serengeti zonal secretary, Jackson Mnyawami, police officers who were
in 10 vehicles also fired live bullets causing injury to the opposition
supporters and arresting six.
“Our convoy has
been subjected to a massive teargas attack by the police in an attempt to block
our route heading to our campaign meeting” Lissu said adding that their
supporters have equally been beaten and hurt. “Let them bomb us and shoot us,
but we shall never back down.” He insisted.
Lissu claim that
the Electoral Commission use police force to undermining the democratic process
by intimidate him and his party favouring the
ruling party that has lost support. “The ruling party has lost support as you
can see, therefore the electoral commission is using police to nail us down
because they are president’s apointeees.”
A day later, the
convoy of Lissu’s running mate, Salum Mwalimu, was teargassed by the Police in
the eastern Ifakara village in Morogoro region, ostensibly to disperse throngs
of supporters as he tried to greet residents who had gathered for a rally
expected to be addressed by an opposition councillorship candidate.
The Director of National Electoral Commission, Charles Mahera, declared that the opposition party are chaotic and will be teargassed by the police because the Inspector General of Police is fed up with their chaos.
The IGP, Simon Sirro, has yesterday
categorically warned Tundu Lissu, to abide by the electoral regulation and
avoid confronting police officers or else he will be dealt with accordingly. “I
categorically warn Tundu Lissu to abide by the regulations and not to confront
my officers, short of that he will be dealt with accordingly.” Said IGP.
In a twitter post on September 30 this year, the US ambassador to Tanzania, Donald Wright said: “I'm concerned by the reports I'm hearing of politically motivated violence and the overall increase in tensions as we get closer to Tanzania's elections. I urge all parties to commit to free, fair, and peaceful elections. As the saying goes: Peace is the fruit of justice.”
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