“I wanted to wait a little until June 21 to coincide with the same date I collected similar nomination forms in 2010.
But some people have pressed me not to waste time in my second bid for the presidency,” Dr Shein said at the CCM sub-head office at Kisiwandui here.
The forms were handed over to him by the CCM Deputy Secretary General (Zanzibar), Mr Vuai Ali Vuai, as cheering supporters promised to back him in his bid.
“I have gracefully bowed to the demand of CCM leaders who came to me with a total of 2,150,000/-, being their contribution towards fees for the nomination forms, all hoping that my party will endorse me.
I thank you all for showing your support.” Flanked by his wife, Mama Mwanamwema; Ambassador Seif Ali Iddi (Second Vice- President), and North Unguja Regional CCM Chairman Mr Haji Juma Haji; Dr Shein said his first term has been successful after having 90 per cent of the ruling party’s manifesto implemented.
“I am happy that we have done well in many areas of development, including economic growth -- from 5.2 per cent in 2010 to 7.2 per cent this year, while par capita from USD 500 to over USD 900,” said Dr Shein.
He added that his priorities were to safeguard the objectives of the 1964 revolution and the union because they were crucial for the people, both in Zanzibar and Tanzania Mainland.
The president vowed not to have any mercy in dealing with any person or group threatening peace and stability of the Islands in accordance with the law.
He cited at the gathering and later at a press conference, two grand projects -- construction of the new seaport at Mpigaduri and exploration of oil/gas done under his rule. “We have been going on well.
While China has agreed to provide for the construction of the new port, my government has signed a memorandum with Shell Company and RAK Gas towards oil and gas exploration.
We are waiting for some issues to be sorted out before the work begins,” Dr Shein reported. He also promised to strengthen his campaign against corruption, increase transparency and accountability in his government should he be nominated by CCM and win the elections, also pledging to maintain development of free economic zones new towns.
Dr Shein said he was not worried with any challengers from other political parties, including his main rival, Mr Seif Sharif Hamad of the Civic United Front (CUF.
“They are same people I beat in 2010; so I will keep my victory record because the majority of the people are happy with me,” he remarked. Meanwhile, ANNE ROBI reports from Dodoma that as the contest to get the ruling CCM’s flag bearer in the October elections is widening, more women have come out to join for the race.
The Manager of Jostihego Secondary School, Ms Rita Ngowi, is expected to collect nomination forms at the CCM Headquarters in Dodoma today.
The Kilimanjaro-based woman joins four other women who are eyeing the highest office. The women who have so far picked the forms include former UN Deputy Secretary General and current Minister for Constitution and Legal Affairs, Dr Asha-Rose Migiro; former cabinet minister and current African Union Ambassador to the United States, Ms Amina Salum Ali, former Deputy Finance Minister and one-time Iringa MP Ms Monica Mbega and the Director of National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Dr Mwele Malecela.
Ms Ngowi told the ‘Daily News’ that her desire to vie for the presidency was her long-term dream aimed at helping Tanzanian women to acquire full and official recognition in state affairs.
"If I happen to become president, my main and first priority would be to see women being recognised, starting with those in the grassroots to the top," she said adding that despite President Kikwete's efforts that have seen many women in leadership position, more active women were still dormant as they are not recognised.
"I will initiate a long-term plan to ensure that women get full recognition in national governance and the country’s economic endeavour,’’ she said, adding that she will also ensure family harmony by keeping them together. She singled out conflicts at family level as the major impediment to the country’s economic development endeavour.
/Daily News.
No comments :
Post a Comment