Chadema leader coaches October election aspirants

Dodoma. The opposition party Chadema gathered for coaching over 100 of its members who wish to compete in different constituencies of the central zone in the October general election.

Chadema Deputy Secretary General (Zanzibar) Mr Salim Mwalimu, told would-be aspirants from the central zone which include regions of Morogoro, Dodoma and Singida to observe rules stipulated by the Election Act to avoid being disqualified before results.

Mr Mwalimu sent a warning that Chadema will not tolerate any aspirant who will use money for votes during the nomination process.

“This time we will ensure that we select strong candidates who will win against the ruling CCM. The central zone is one of the areas we count on,” he told his listeners who included renowned artist Joseph Haule also known as Prof Jay. Mr Mwalimu also cried foul played by district executive directors whom he accused of derailing Chadema rallies through the police.

“We want you people to know the party and its principles so that when you get appointed as district commissioner in November, you will be in a position to stand for your party and its manifesto. This is to prepare you guys psychologically so that you don’t get shocked when Ukawa wins in the coming general election,” he said.

He said Chadema will be strict in selecting candidates by appointing committed party members and avoid mistakes of putting people who shifted from other parties whom he said are letting down their party. “And again, we should all know that no member of Chadema is above the party regardless of their status, funding and time they have been in the party,” he said. On the other hand, Chadema lawyer who is also Singida East Member of Parliament Mr Tundu Lissu stressed that aspirants corrupting people to be elected should be feared and avoided. “We will expel all those who are involving in corruption. They are not with us. If we managed to remove membership from one of our long time members, nobody else can be spared for corruption,” said Mr Lissu.

He also advised the aspirants to use strong and informed agents during election to ensure that they get necessary documents for verification and push for timely results.

The coaching workshop was also attended by special seats MPs from the party. They included Susan Kiwanga, Susan Lyimo, Grace Kiwelu and Joyce Mukya.