Ruling party now takes Lushoto, Ulanga seats

Lushoto/Ulanga. The ruling party CCM has retained its parliamentary seats in Lushoto and Ulanga constituents after its candidates defeated the opposition in Sunday’ polls.

The two constituencies didn’t held their parliamentary elections last month following the deaths of Mr Mohamed Mtoi who was running for the Lushoto prliamentary seat through Chadema and Ms Celina Kombani who was running for the Ulanga seat through ruling party’s ticket.

In Lushoto, Mr Shaaban Shekilindi scooped 19,775 votes (equivalent to 79. 68 percent) to win in the seat.

Announcing the results, the Lushoto returning officer, Mr Jumanne Shauri, said Shekilindi won the election after defeating Chadema candidate, Dickson Shekivuli who managed 4,402 and ACT Wazalendo candidate who managed 375 votes.

While in Ulanga the constituency returning officer Isabela Chilumba announced Mr Goodluck Mlinga (CCM) as the winner after garnering 25,902 votes (equivalent to 69.78 per cent). Mr Mlinga, who is the son of the constituency’s former MP the late Kombani, defeated other candidates from Chadema and ACT Wazalendoe

Speaking after being declared the winner, Shekilindi promised to work closely with then people of irrespective of their political leaning to bring about development to the people of Lushoto.

“The election is over. We must now do away with divisions which came about because of the election and build this one house together. This is our house. We should not fight over poles designated for the same house,” said Shelilkindi.

For his part, Mr Mlinga assured Ulanga residents that he will work hard in implementation of ruling CCM 2015/2020 election manifesto.