By Sylivester Ernest
The Citizen Reporter
Dar es Salaam.  Reports of divisions among Chama Cha Mapinduzi supporters in Arumeru East constituency ahead of the April 1 by-election are unfounded, according to party Secretary General Wilson Mukama.A section of the media reported yesterday that a large number of delegates at the primaries to select the CCM flag bearer were against Mr Siyoi Sumari. The seat fell vacant upon the death of Jeremiah Sumari.

The younger Sumari was declared the winner of an internal election held earlier this week. He garnered 361 votes, defeating William Sarakikya (255), Elirehema Kaaya (205), Elishiria Kaaya (176), Anthony Musani (22) and Rishiankira Urio (11).

Some supporters of the losing candidates claimed the election was riddled with corruption. Others reportedly broke into song and dance in praise of the opposition Chadema flag bearer, Mr Joshua Nassari.

But Mr Mukama was quick to deny the claims yesterday, saying the party had not received any complaints about corruption allegations. Said Mr Mukama: “We have not yet done our nominations after all, so why the worry? If we receive the complaints and confirm them, we will take action. But no one has complained so far.”

While suggesting that a few members of the party’s youth wing (UVCCM) in Arusha wanted to create tension ahead of the election, Mr Mukama said that the intra-UVCCM squabbles would not compromise the party’s chance of winning the seat.“We are determined…whoever wins in the nominations will eventually be elected by the Arumeru electorate,” the party’s chief executive officer told The Citizen. “That is our constituency and we will win, trust me.”

He asked those who were not content with the election of Sumari Junior to stay put pending the decision of the Arusha regional political committee, which will sit tomorrow. The committee’s proposition will then be taken to the party’s Central Committee for the final decision.“CCM is a democratic party,” Mr Mukama said. “Due process will be followed so that we have the right candidate, whom we will campaign for as a team and make sure that we win.”

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites