Tanzania police arrest six over vote-buying as parliamentary aspirant flees
What you need to know:
- CCM is scheduled to conduct its primaries on Monday, August 4, for councillorship, parliamentary and House of Representatives positions in Zanzibar, following five days of introductory sessions for aspirants that ran from July 30 to August 3.
Tabora. Authorities in Tabora Region have arrested six individuals in connection with an alleged bribery scandal involving a parliamentary aspirant for Nzega Urban Constituency, with more than 40 other suspects, including the aspirant, still being sought.
The candidate, whose name has been withheld, reportedly fled after abandoning his vehicle in Musoma Street, Nzega District. A search conducted by security officers found more than Sh16 million in cash inside the car, which was allegedly being distributed to delegates one by one.
Tabora Regional Commissioner Paul Chacha confirmed the arrests on Sunday, August 3, during a press conference, saying the incident involved members of the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), ahead of Monday’s internal party primaries.
CCM is scheduled to conduct its primaries on Monday, August 4, for councillorship, parliamentary and House of Representatives positions in Zanzibar, following five days of introductory sessions for aspirants that ran from July 30 to August 3.
“We had intelligence indicating over 40 people were involved, but so far six have been arrested along with more than Sh16 million in cash,” Mr Chacha said. “These individuals were allegedly distributing the money to delegates believed to be involved in tomorrow’s vote.”
He said the suspects, during questioning, named the fugitive candidate, and warned that authorities would not tolerate corruption during the election period.
“They were arrested in the middle of the night, which in itself raises concern. We will deal with them accordingly. We cannot allow the image and reputation of our region to be stained by such acts,” he said.
Mr Chacha added that intelligence reports suggest some candidates are planning “finishing” handouts on the eve of the vote.
“I want to make it clear. Candidates should go to sleep early. Those planning to conduct ‘finishing’ will finish with the police and security agencies,” he said.
Some of the suspects claimed the candidate had been with them in the vehicle but fled after realising they were about to be arrested, leaving both them and the money behind.
