Tanzania: CUF to Challenge CCM's By-Election Victory

Hussein Ibrahim Makungu (Bhaa)

 - the winner of the by-election

Tanzania Daily News (Dar es Salaam)
BY ISSA YUSSUF, 18 SEPTEMBER 2012

Zanzibar — AS CCM celebrates victory in last Sunday Bububu by-election here, CUF said yesterday that it was finalising legal procedures to file a petition.

CUF Director of Publicity, Mr Salum Bimani, said they have collected enough evidence to prove that the by-election was marred with fraud as people not living in Bububu constituency were allowed to vote. "Armed militias were used to escort illegal voters to cast their votes.

This act puts the Government of National Unity (GNU) at risk," warned Mr Bimani. CCM Deputy Secretary General (Zanzibar), Mr Vuai Ali Vuai, dismissed the claims insisting that the by-election was free and fair. He, however, accused CUF of causing the unrest that left scores of people injured and led to destruction of property including several cars.


During the fracas a man was shot in the leg and two legislators were assaulted. CCM's candidate Hussein Ibrahim Makungu 'Bhaa' won with 3,371 votes, followed by Mr Issa Khamis Issa (CUF) with 3,204, but he refused to sign the results sheet in protest.

Other candidates were Ms Zuhura Bakar Mohamed (ADC)- 45 votes, Mr Juma Metu Domo (SAU)- four votes, Mr Seif Salum Seif (TADEA) - three votes, Mr Abdulrahaman Hamad Said 'Kidosho' (AFP) - eight votes, Mr Suleiman Abdallaah (NRA) - one vote, Mr Haroun Abdallah Said (NCCR-Mageuzi)- three votes, and Ms Mtumwa Jabir Seif (Jahazi-Asilia) - seven votes.

The exercise was peaceful at the polling stations, but incidents of unrest were reported outside the polling stations. The returning officer, Mr Suluhu Ali Rashid, said that the election was fair and that until Monday his office had not received any complaint. "I believe it was peaceful at all polling stations and the spotted unrest outside the stations did not affect the exercise," he said.

CUF leaders are blaming their main rival CCM, soldiers from the Tanzania People's Defence Forces (TPDF), and forces from Zanzibar special units for violence during the polls, including use of firearms. Eye witnesses say MP for Mtoni Mr Faki Haji Makame (CUF) and the Member of the House of Representatives for Kwahani Mr Ali Salum Haji (CCM) were beaten but managed to escape.

Source: Daily News