A defector (EDWARD LOWASA) vs. an accidental candidate (Dr John Magufuli).

With a United opposition, led by a high profile political heavyweight candidate Edward Lowasa vs. a last minute accidental John Magufuli so far these elections are turning out to be the most closely contested election in the history of Tanzania.

It all started after a high level drama in selecting the presidential candidate of the ruling party John Magufuli. A sudden coalition of the opposition under an alliance known as Ukawa, was formed by an artful crafty long serving public servant Edward Lowasa in response to one of the one most thwarting plots played by the outgoing President Jakaya Kikwete. One can say that the grey-haired 62-year-old political stalwart Edward Lowasa brought Tanzania’s elections to life over the past few weeks. Buoyed by their heavy-hitting presidential candidate, the opposition –– is more hopeful than in any previous election, and they believe that when the polls are held on 25 October, the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party could be in for a surprise.

To give a brief Edward Lowasa was born in 1953 to a herdsman climbed the ladder of Tanzania politics for decades serving various positions as Prime Minister, Minister for Lands and Human Settlement Development, Minister of Water and Livestock Development, and many more. He is known to be hardworking and diligent at his work before the huge Richmond corruption scandal which halted his political carrier for a while. But they all say he is just a scapegoat in the entire drama that happened in 2008 and he saved his party from embarrassment by walking away. 

Dr John Magufulli was born on 29^th Oct 1959 who has served in the Cabinet of Tanzania as Minister of Works since 2010. Previously he was Deputy Minister of Works from 1995 to 2000, Minister of Works from 2000 to 2006, Minister of Lands and Human Settlement from 2006 to 2008, and Minister of Livestock and Fisheries from 2008 to 2010. He has served as a Member of Parliament since 1995.

United Opposition Vs Ruling CCM

United opposition strongly feel the time has come for them by signing their popular slogan of “change” but it’s not that easy to throw away the incumbent party who is in power for the last four decades and one of the longest serving ruling parties in the continent . Popular journalists say “There’s no stopping him” pointing out that the campaigning network – known as mtandao – which Lowassa previously set up is still in place. This time round, it could be used to boost the opposition. “This solid network has been reactivated and it will almost certainly deliver,”. The shifting political landscape in Tanzania could also help Ukawa. After decades in power, many Tanzanians are growing impatient with CCM and looking for change.

At the same time one cannot deny CCM’s support base among the rural electorate remains solid, and although he was not the candidate most were expecting, John Magufuli’s reputation as a no nonsense industrious politician puts him in good stead. Magafuli has also launched an energetic campaign in recent weeks that Team Lowassa has struggled to match.

Whatever may be the outcome I request Tanzanians for a peaceful polls. Already the continent has seen so many disturbances post elections and the disastrous outcomes of the disturbances. May the best candidate win.