| Chadema submits appeal against JK | Send to a friend |
| Monday, 30 August 2010 23:44 |
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Chadema yesterday submitted a petition asking the Registrar of Political Parties to disqualify the CCM presidential candidate, Mr Jakaya Kikwete, for allegedly violating the Election Expenses Act.The opposition party claims that President Kikwete, who launched his campaign a week ago, violated Article 21 of the law, which candidates and their agents from offering monetary offers with the aim of winning over voters. “We have submitted our complaints about President Kikwete’s conduct to the Registrar of Political Parties,” Chadema acting secretary-general John Mnyika said. However, the registrar, Mr John Tendwa, declined to comment when reached by telephone. “I cannot say anything today. Come to my office tomorrow morning,” he said. Among other things, Mr Mnyika said President Kikwete had used his powers as Head of State to raise civil servants’ minimum salary from Sh135,000 to Sh235,000 during the campaign period. “Is this not bribing voters? Why did he specifically raise salaries during campaigns?” he asked. Moreover, Chadema also accuses the CCM candidate of promising the cash-strapped Nyanza Cooperative Union Sh5 billion to pay its debts and pledging to help other cooperative unions with their debt burdens. The petition further says Mr Kikwete violated the law by telling Kagera Region residents he would buy them a new ship to ply between Bukoba and Mwanza. Mr Mnyika said all this was meant to convince voters to vote for Mr Kikwete in the October 31 General Election. Chadema attached cuttings of four newspaper stories to its petition to support its arguments. Mr Mnyika said after handing in the petition that Chadema expected the registrar to act according to the law. Chadema declared its intention to file the petition last week. The party’s presidential candidate, Dr Willibrod Slaa, said he had no problem with workers’ salaries being raised, but questioned the platform used to do so. He also wondered why Mr Kikwete had suddenly decided to increase salaries when it was only a few years when he declared that there would ne no pay increase even if workers went on strike. “I have been wondering where the money will come from. There is also the issue of the allocation for the salary increase having not been endorsed by Parliament.” Dr Slaa said Mr Kikwete was not supposed to use his presidential powers in trying to endear himself to voters to ensure a level playing field for all candidates. He added that the decision to increase salaries without following proper procedures as stated in the Constitution amounted misuse of public funds. Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites           |
