Kikwete is widely popular, says Makamba
NURU MANKO, 4th December 2009 @ 11:29
Daily News
THE ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and the majority of Tanzanians will rally behind president Jakaya Kikwete and vote him into office for a second term in next year's national general elections because his performance as president has impressed so far.
This was said today by the CCM Secretary General, Mr Yusuf Makamba. Mr Makamba dismissed recent public criticisms levelled against Mr Kikwete and his administration by a few former public civil servants. He argued that it was such people who did virtually nothing while in government.
He was reacting to the false information published by some newspapers in the country criticizing the ruling party and its chairman, President Jakaya Kikwete. The newspapers had claimed that CCM, as a ruling political party, was no longer in the president's sight.
Mr Makamba, who was addressing a press conference in Dar es Salaam, shot down the accusations saying that President Kikwete is the most eligible potential aspirant who would be given another opportunity to lead the nation in next year's national general elections.
"The ruling CCM and the majority of Tanzanians will rally behind (the incumbent aspirant) President Jakaya Kikwete in next year's national general elections," he insisted.
He added, "Those who think the president has not taken appropriate action on corrupt leaders are wrong. He has actually done a lot," he asserted.
Mr Makamba said that the ruling CCM is widely popular in the country. Its chairman, President Kikwete is equally popular. He said that CCM was a free political party and was not for rich people as it is alleged by some few people in the country.
Echoing Mr Makamba's remarks, a member with the National Electoral Commission (NEC) Mr John Komba, said that President Kikwete has ushered in a lot development achievement in the government and in the public sector in a short time.
"I believe that members of the public voted for Mr Jakaya Kikwete according to the electoral procedures," he said. He added that in that short time the president and his administration have implemented many development projects countrywide, including roads.