We bribed voters, CCM official admits

Babati. A losing candidate in an election re-run for the Babati District chairmanship of the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has pulled a shocker after admitting that he and all the other aspirants bribed voters. 

Mr Gabriel Bukhay made the statement after the announcement of the election results of last Tuesday, which saw his rival, Mr Abdillah Sogora, declared the winner.

But, apparently frustrated by the outcome, Mr Bukhay revealed that all the candidates, including himself, used money to bribe voters.

“If the issue was corruption, then no one will be safe; all candidates spent money, as voters were asking for it through mobile phones,” he said. “If you look at my phone you will find text messages from voters asking for bus fares to come for the election, but never mind, the election is done and we have to move forward building our party,” he said.

The head of the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) for Manyara Region, Mr Mogasa Mogasa, said the allegations. Announcing the results of the re-run, Special Seats MP Martha Umbullah said the eligible voters were 777. None of the votes was spoilt. “Mr Sogora bagged 399 votes while his opponent Mr Bukhay got 378 votes,” said Ms Umbullah.

Earlier, the election was held on Friday October 6 involving three candidates, but one of them Mr Michael Taxara withdrew his candidature and furthermore, the winner wasn’t declared as no one acquired above 50 per cent of the total votes. The district party chair Edna Hyera said so far none of the candidates had been arrested on corruption charges.