Baraka Shamte raises concerns over next Zanzibar elections, CCM hits back

Zanzibar. Veteran politician Baraka Shamte, a stalwart of CCM for decades, in a rare public appearance has thrown cold water on the party's prospects in the upcoming Zanzibar elections, suggesting the internal environment within CCM presents significant challenges.

Speaking to journalists at his home in Unguja, the 94-year-old Baraka Shamte, who was expelled from the party in 2022 for criticising its leadership, warned that complacency could be perilous for CCM in the polls.

"We've had numerous elections," he acknowledged, "but things are not well at the grassroots level. Pretending otherwise would be a mistake."

He did not exactly give the exact reasons why CCM would face a hurdle to win the elections.

Mr Shamte’s allegations were met with rebuke by CCM’s ideology and publicity secretary, Khamis Mbeto, who said that the party is now stronger than it has ever been, owing to Hussein Mwinyi’s implementation of development projects on the islands.

”His statements are full of envy and jealousy, because this is not the first time that he is making such baseless allegations regarding the administrations. Most of the people who are making these allegations are those who did not want Dr Mwinyi to become President,” said Mr Mbeto, who is on a tour of Pemba with President Mwinyi.

According to Mr Mbeto, “Shamte is entitled to a personal opinion about some issues," adding that such critics should also be realistic in their assessment of issues that can be seen with the naked eye.

He said that for the first time, CCM is confident of sweeping all the seats in both Unguja and Pemba in the coming elections. Despite his expulsion, Mr Shamte, who insists he remains a card-carrying member, rejected overtures from other parties offering him lucrative positions in their ranks.

"They came with bags of money," he revealed, "but I chose to stay loyal to CCM."

In Shamte's wide-ranging interview, he lamented the perceived neglect of the core principles established by Tanu and the Afro-Shirazi parties, the predecessors of CCM.

He sees corruption and impunity flourishing due to a lack of accountability, citing reports by the Controller and Auditor General as evidence.

“The educated elite who were supposed to have liberated us are looting the country with impunity. The reports show who has stolen, but have you ever heard anyone being prosecuted?” he questioned.

In Shamte's view, CCM must undertake a critical introspection after 60 years in power, addressing governance issues that deviate from the revolution's foundation.

He criticised the practice of handpicking candidates, saying it can weaken the party.

"Every member has the right to choose and be chosen," he emphasised, pointing out the marginalisation of veteran members.

Shamte questioned the logic behind some MPs exceeding term limits within their constituencies. He accused them of neglecting their duties and resorting to vote-buying tactics.

“After the first term, the constituency becomes their property,” he said.

Additionally, he expressed reservations about the renovation of Amani Stadium, arguing that if there was a need for a new modern stadium, a different location should have been chosen.

"It feels like an attempt to erase Karume's legacy through the back door," he stated.

Regarding the Karume legacy, Shamte wondered why a prominent foundation exists to honour Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad, while Karume, the first President of Zanzibar, lacks a similar platform to champion his ideals.

This is not the first time that Mr Shamte has criticised the government. In June 2022, in a video clip that went viral on social media platforms, he criticised authorities over certain decisions that, in his opinion, did not resonate with the electorate.

Mr Shamte was soon summoned to the Madema police station to answer charges of uttering seditious content against government authorities in Zanzibar.