Legacy in simple terms is what a person is remembered for. It is what is left behind when he has passed.
With only a couple of days left to the Tanzania's General Election Jakaya Kikwete will have a chance to define his legacy. He could be remembered as a hero who allowed democracy to take its course or could be forgotten as a humble dictator who preaches water and takes wine in matters peace, human rights & freedoms and political democracy.
I say this because as the election day gets closer the contest is clearly moving away from what was described by many in the initial stages of the campaign as VERY CLOSE TO CALL. The opposition Coalition of the Defenders of the People's Constitution - UKAWA has gained tremendous ground both in Urban centres perceived to be their strongholds and in the rural villages as well. If rallies like that in the border town of Tunduma in Mbeya province are anything to go by then Edward Lowassa is headed for a landslide victory.
From the observations posted in various social media platforms, the ruling party is left with one real option of clinging to power - influencing the NEC to declare a certain candidate the winner. This will be very difficult because: 1. the govtment has not set the stage for such an action e.g. through police harassment of opposition supporters, mass arrests etc. perhaps this is why 'kura inalindwa' - a very intelligent approach by the opposition parties. 2ndly- It has been an open secret that the government had the intention of rigging the election; this was made clear by CCM's secretary for publicity through the famous 'bao la mkono' pronouncement.
In my opinion President Jakaya Kikwete could allow democracy take its course and become a hero in the eyes of Tanzanians and the whole world or suppress the will of the people and invite the ICC into his doorstep.
Mr. President wacha watu walinde kura yao kwa amani, mwachie Jaji mustaafu Lubuva pia afanye kazi yake!
Among the many things that you'll be remembered for this Election/transition will be the most important. Your legacy is in your hands!
With only a couple of days left to the Tanzania's General Election Jakaya Kikwete will have a chance to define his legacy. He could be remembered as a hero who allowed democracy to take its course or could be forgotten as a humble dictator who preaches water and takes wine in matters peace, human rights & freedoms and political democracy.
I say this because as the election day gets closer the contest is clearly moving away from what was described by many in the initial stages of the campaign as VERY CLOSE TO CALL. The opposition Coalition of the Defenders of the People's Constitution - UKAWA has gained tremendous ground both in Urban centres perceived to be their strongholds and in the rural villages as well. If rallies like that in the border town of Tunduma in Mbeya province are anything to go by then Edward Lowassa is headed for a landslide victory.
From the observations posted in various social media platforms, the ruling party is left with one real option of clinging to power - influencing the NEC to declare a certain candidate the winner. This will be very difficult because: 1. the govtment has not set the stage for such an action e.g. through police harassment of opposition supporters, mass arrests etc. perhaps this is why 'kura inalindwa' - a very intelligent approach by the opposition parties. 2ndly- It has been an open secret that the government had the intention of rigging the election; this was made clear by CCM's secretary for publicity through the famous 'bao la mkono' pronouncement.
In my opinion President Jakaya Kikwete could allow democracy take its course and become a hero in the eyes of Tanzanians and the whole world or suppress the will of the people and invite the ICC into his doorstep.
Mr. President wacha watu walinde kura yao kwa amani, mwachie Jaji mustaafu Lubuva pia afanye kazi yake!
Among the many things that you'll be remembered for this Election/transition will be the most important. Your legacy is in your hands!
