As teams of election observers and members of both local and foreign media saw and would testify, there was general bliss at all polling stations in the ‘borrowed’ capital of Dar es Salaam and elsewhere in the country.
In sharp rebuke to some doomsayers who ‘foretold’ chaotic voting conduct; it was almost total bliss as Tanzanians decided yesterday in a peaceful manner. Right from the word ‘go’ when polling stations opened at 7am up to closing time at 4pm, no major incidents had been reported.
At stake at the polls were the Union presidency, parliamentary seats and councillorship in case of Tanzania Mainland and the Zanzibar presidency, parliamentary seats and Zanzibar House of Representatives seats in case of the Isles. Polling stations closed at 4pm after which vote counting started. Some provisional results could by now have already started trickling down and celebrations might have already started in some quarters.
At the centre stage of all this game of democracy is the National Electoral Commission (NEC), which worked overtime day and night to ensure free, fair, peaceful and hasslefree polls.
It is imperative to mention here that it is mandatory for any contestant to accept the results of the poll with a cool head. Those who lose will, naturally, feel heart-broken and might even wish to protest. In this case, courts of law are the best option for them.
Although there had been eight Union presidential aspirants, the real battle had pitted Dr John Pombe Magufuli of the ruling CCM and Mr Edward Ngoyai Lowassa of Chadema, representing UKAWA.
Both aspirants gave their all in the election campaigns that ended at 6pm on Saturday. Judging from the size of the crowds that turned up in their campaign trails, most political analysts predicted a tough battle among the two.
Again although in Zanzibar, CCM presidential contender, President Ali Mohamed Shein, appeared to enjoy much more popularity than his challenger, Mr Seif Sharif Hamad of CUF, the race is likely to be tough and close judging from previous elections.
All in all, we salute all voters and all Tanzanians for the peaceful elections. They have shown Africa and the world the way.
/Daily News.
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