Oh yes we would like changes! Poverty, lack of job for youth, corruption of all kind of discrimination are the outcome of poor ruling system, bad policies, ok let us eliminate that! The majority should be respected! Good day Josh.
Text message from my Tanzanian friend Hashim
Received at 6:48 am on Sunday October, 31st
Yesterday Tanzania held it's national elections for President, Members of Parliament, and Councilors. It is an exciting time in this country because elections occur every five years. CCM, the ruling party has governed Tanzania since its founding in 1964. However, many Tanzanians now call for change. The air is electric with passion that has been building over the past few months. “Now is the time for change, now is the time for Chadema” (the challenging party) many people cry out. The youth are tired of the corruption and empty promises that has characterized the current administration. Tanzania needs infrastructure, people need jobs, and most importantly Tanzanians need a government that works for the people not against it. Many hope that Chadema, the democratic party will bring this change.
CCM has strong support in many areas, but more importantly they are skilled at steeling votes. Pastor Tukai explained to me that while Chadema may win many positions in Parliament, CCM will likely win the Presidency because they pay off voters and manipulate the system. Yesterday, a friend of mine told me that he would be unable to vote in the election. When I asked why, he explained that he is a University student and he had to register to vote at his University. When CCM learned that the majority of University students support Chadema, they closed the Universities during the voting period claiming that they did not have enough money to fund the schools. The timing is quite convenient.
For the past few months, trucks like this one loaded with speakers have roamed the streets blasting patriotic music and partisan messages. This particular truck carries Chadema's red white and blue flags branded with a black peace sign. The trucks often stop on roads like ours to hold rallies and give politicians an opportunity to talk about issues. The soap box has come a long way for a developing country.
Workers in Moshi at a tire shop fly CCM's green and gold flag marked with a crossed hoe and axe. People wear hats, tie banners to their cars or necks, and raise partisan flags in support of one party or the other. We haven’t received word of the results of the presidential election, but we do know that Chadema swept the Parliamentary and Councilor elections in our district.
