Lowassa calls for mobilisation campaign in rural areas
Speaking
to reporters at the party’s youth wing, Bavicha, meeting in Dar es
Salaam yesterday, member of the central committee and former prime
minister, Edward Lowassa said since the party did well in urban areas
where it clinched several parliamentary seats, it was now time to direct
energy and resources to rural areas.
He also expressed surprise by the police banning political rallies, saying that it is contrary to the country’s constitution.
Lowassa said that there is need to go to rural areas to hold discourse with people about development and establish new roots where none exists.
The meeting was held to assess the country’s security, rule of law, human and political rights that are being broken in the country.
“There are many democracy infringements occurring in the country and possible power abuse by appointed leaders,” he said.
The police prohibited Chadema youth meetings and rallies after President John Magufuli imposed a ban on all political activities for five years.
Lowassa commended Bavicha for what they did in Dodoma saying that the message was sent but also praised Chadema youth for not disrupting the peace.
“The people are wondering why Chadema is barred from holding its meetings but CCM is allowed,” he said.
He urged youth leaders to “respect their leaders because you do not want to take away the power you have handed to someone. We do not need to start internal wrangled, we must protect”.
He also criticised the president’s appointment of regional commissioners, district commissioners and district executive directors.
“If you are not a CCM supporter you do not get to be appointed. Public officials should be appointed due to partisan leanings, this is not good for the country, and it should be discouraged,” he said.
Lowassa outlined three key points that will make Chadema to take power in the 2020 election.
First he urged BAVICHA to establish the party in rural areas noting that during the last elections many youth won elections in rural areas.
He noted as an example James Milya from Simanjiro, Joseph Mkundi from Ukerewe, John Heche from Tarime Rural and Anthony Komu in Moshi Rural, just to name just a few.
“We must go where voters are, develop a schedule to visit rural areas where people face many challenges. It is important to strengthen the party and discuss about development,” he added.
Secondly he called on members to be united and ward off efforts to divide the party.“We must stick together to move forward without breaching the peace,” he said.
And the third point, he said, was for Ukawa to play an integral part in ensuring the opposition wins the coming elections.
“We must agree on a coalition if you need changes,” he observed.
For his part, BAVICHA director of protocol, communication and foreign affairs, John Mrema condemned the declaration of RC Makonda to do a house-to-house search to identify individuals who are idle.
“That is wrong, illegal, abuse of power and what would someone be charged with once he/she is arrested at home?” he questioned.
He also expressed surprise by the police banning political rallies, saying that it is contrary to the country’s constitution.
Lowassa said that there is need to go to rural areas to hold discourse with people about development and establish new roots where none exists.
The meeting was held to assess the country’s security, rule of law, human and political rights that are being broken in the country.
“There are many democracy infringements occurring in the country and possible power abuse by appointed leaders,” he said.
The police prohibited Chadema youth meetings and rallies after President John Magufuli imposed a ban on all political activities for five years.
Lowassa commended Bavicha for what they did in Dodoma saying that the message was sent but also praised Chadema youth for not disrupting the peace.
“The people are wondering why Chadema is barred from holding its meetings but CCM is allowed,” he said.
He urged youth leaders to “respect their leaders because you do not want to take away the power you have handed to someone. We do not need to start internal wrangled, we must protect”.
He also criticised the president’s appointment of regional commissioners, district commissioners and district executive directors.
“If you are not a CCM supporter you do not get to be appointed. Public officials should be appointed due to partisan leanings, this is not good for the country, and it should be discouraged,” he said.
Lowassa outlined three key points that will make Chadema to take power in the 2020 election.
First he urged BAVICHA to establish the party in rural areas noting that during the last elections many youth won elections in rural areas.
He noted as an example James Milya from Simanjiro, Joseph Mkundi from Ukerewe, John Heche from Tarime Rural and Anthony Komu in Moshi Rural, just to name just a few.
“We must go where voters are, develop a schedule to visit rural areas where people face many challenges. It is important to strengthen the party and discuss about development,” he added.
Secondly he called on members to be united and ward off efforts to divide the party.“We must stick together to move forward without breaching the peace,” he said.
And the third point, he said, was for Ukawa to play an integral part in ensuring the opposition wins the coming elections.
“We must agree on a coalition if you need changes,” he observed.
For his part, BAVICHA director of protocol, communication and foreign affairs, John Mrema condemned the declaration of RC Makonda to do a house-to-house search to identify individuals who are idle.
“That is wrong, illegal, abuse of power and what would someone be charged with once he/she is arrested at home?” he questioned.
