Mzee Malecela: Tanzanians Need Development Change, Not Electoral Reforms -

Mzee Malecela during an exclusive interview with this publication

“For All Matters Pertaining To General Election, The Voters Are The Ones To Decide, Thus CHADEMA Shouldn’t Sensitize The Public To Join The Fray Of Electoral Reforms,” Dr Malecela.

DODOMA. FORMER Vice President, the Tanzania’s political mogul, Dr John Samwel Malecela has hit back on the main opposition CHADEMA demand for electoral reforms, saying the issue is not ‘holding water’ and it is not at the hearts of the Tanzanians.

The former prime minister who will in this week, Sunday 20th April, attain 91 years of age noted that the CHADEMA’s nationwide tour for the ‘No Reforms, No Election’ campaign, and the boycott of the coming general election is against the set CCM’s constitution.

Speaking to Sematvweb during an exclusive interview at his Dodoma- based residency, the country’s veteran politician insisted that what the citizens of Tanzania need is a strong, and matured political party like CCM to serve them patriotically in order bring about needed socioeconomic development.

” As per the Article five of CCM’s constitution, the political party must be voted through general election in order to lead the country,” he said.

Dr Malecela said since the inception of multiparty system in 1992, CCM has been working bravely and friendly with all opposition parties through prioritizing public interest.

” CCM has always, and will always listen and put into practices all of the positive advices and demands from the opposition sides, but in case of negative agenda, the party will always distance itself,” he said.

He added, for all matters pertaining to the general election, the voters are the ones to decide, thus CHADEMA shouldn’t sensitize the public to lobby for electoral reforms.

“If you find CCM rejecting any demand from the opposition side, you must understand that demand (issue) is not holding public interest,” he said.

He insisted, the ruling party has so far curved its own niche in the world political corridor, saying the party will continue spreading its winning supremacy.

Dr Malecela noted that CCM has worked to attain a record number of key developments in several aspects in the country, the move which has kept on impressing the public across the country.

“The voters are happy with CCM due to the party’s commitment to bring socioeconomic development, such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), Julius Nyerere Hydropower Station, installation of tamarc roads to connect all regions across the country, free education, improved health services and many more,” he said.

He urged CCM leaders to go to the campaign for the general election with pride and confidence because the party has what it takes to collect enough votes.

Mzee Malecela, whose track record at CCM can be calculated as far back as 1960’s during the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) expressed high hope with President Samia Suluhu Hassan, saying she is a right president in the right regime.

Since the early days of CCM, the party was ready and keen to have a female for the seat of chairperson, but unfortunately, there were no strong women to handle the post,”

” We’re very happy that at last, we have President Samia, and she has proved worthy of the position,” he said.

Also, he expressed to have been delight with the pick of Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi for the post of CCM Secretary General.

“I am familiar with Dr Nchimbi for a number of years, he’s a committed and a ‘non nonsense’ kind of leader, hopefully he will assist President Samia to shape the party,” he noted.

As the country prepares for the general election, Dr Malecela urged the Tanzanians to support the party in order to continue propelling key development across the country.

” In ten years to come, Tanzania will no longer be among the developing countries, but the country will stand tall amid the developed countries,” he foresee.