Magufuli will win by 69.3 per cent, CCM envisions

CCM has predicted that the party’s Union presidential candidate, Dr John Magufuli, will win by 69.3 per cent in the general election slated for October 25.

This was said at a press conference in Dar es Salaam by a member of the Magufuli Campaign committee, Mr January Makamba, who noted that the huge turn-out of people at their candidate’s rallies was ‘’comforting and inspirational enough.’’

He added that the party has conducted an internal research covering the last ten days in 246 constituencies out of 269, “which showed that our union presidential candidate will win by 69.3 per cent.”

Mr Makamba said they believed the percentage will increase more as Tanzanians get an opportunity to listen to Dr Magufuli and hear about the CCM manifesto and policies.

He said so far, their presidential candidate has met more than 30 per cent of voters as some of their rallies are promoted directly by community radio and television stations, adding that voters who had the opportunity to watch and listen are estimated to reach 70 per cent.

In terms of parliamentary campaigns, more than three-quarters of the CCM parliamentary candidates have launched their campaigns and were doing well, adding that the party’s campaign secretariat had recommended special thrust in constituencies with specific challenges.

Revealing their plan in the last 30 days of the campaigns, Mr Makamba told reporters that CCM leaders, both in office and retired and cadres will pass through all constituencies across the country to sell the party’s policies and boost Dr Magufuli’s campaign.

On presidential debates, Mr Makamba said CCM had three weeks ago received an invitation for their candidate, Dr Magufuli, to participate in the debate prepared by the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) and several other institutions.

“Dr Magufuli has agreed to participate in the debate; we agree with the new culture of debates for presidential candidates as it provides an opportunity for them to be questioned directly and provide details on their policies and commitments,” he said.

He said they disagree with the statement that the debate should be between the chairpersons of the parties and not the candidates, which he described as ridiculous.

Mr Makamba said CCM was disturbed by statements being issued by some leaders, which suggest there would be violence during the elections, calling on the people not to pay attention to them.

“We would like to urge Tanzanians not to entertain violence as leaders who encourage it enjoy the protection of security guards in addition to having the means to flee from trouble spots, leaving and exposing others to harm in ensuing clashes,’’ Mr Makamba cautioned.