CCM, Chadema undecided on presidential debate

Twaweza Executive Director Aidan Eyakuze

Just one week before the anticipated Presidential candidates’ debate is held, the ruling CCM and the main opposition party, Chadema, have not confirmed that their candidates are going to take part.

 

The organisers have said they are continuing to persuade them to take part in the debate slated for this Sunday.

 

According to the organisers, the CEOs Roundtable Tanzania, Tanzania Media Foundation (TMF), Tanzania Media Women’s Association (Tamwa) and Twaweza, only three parties have confirmed participation so far. 

 

They are Alliance for Democratic Change (ADC), Alliance for Change and Transparency - Wazalendo (ACT-Wazalendo) and Chama cha Ukombozi wa Umma (Chaumma).

 

This was divulged yesterday in Dar es Salaam by Twaweza Executive Director Aidan Eyakuze when briefing journalists on the state of highly awaited presidential candidates’ debate. He said invites were extended to all political parties which have fielded candidates for both the Zanzibar and Union presidency, as well as candidates in at least 55 constituencies across Tanzania, to take part in the debate through their official presidential candidates.

 

“We are also continuing to reach out to the remaining parties to confirm their participation in this historic event. Thus far letters have been sent to all parties and attempts have been made to confirm their participation at the earliest opportunity,” he said. 

 

He called upon all invited political parties to use this historic opportunity to show the people that they are ready and willing to engage in a direct dialogue with the electorate and to demonstrate that their government will stand side by side with the citizens.

 

He said there have been efforts and attempts by various media and civil society organisations to organise debates for the presidential candidates, making use of different strategies and approaches to no avail.

 

Twaweza boss explained that the debate will provide a historic opportunity for citizens to ask questions directly to those who seek to represent and govern them. 

 

Further, they will also provide a platform for presidential candidates to lay out their agenda for the country in an interactive environment.

 

Eyakuze used the platform to call upon all citizens to submit questions for the presidential candidates by Friday October 16 on issues that matter most in their lives.

 

He went on to say: “We will meet party representatives on Thursday October 15 to agree on the rules and regulations for the debate. A press conference to announce these rules will be held on Friday October 16, he added.

 

Detailing, he said, people wishing to submit questions can use email, SMS, on social media or take them directly to the offices of any of the coalition partners or post.

 

They may as well use twitter, facebook or email to communicate directly with any of the members of the coalition, or #Mkikimkiki on twitter, or Mkikimkiki2015 Facebook page, or email info@mkikimkiki.com.

 

For his part, TMF Executive Director Ernest Sungura said “the decision to arrange the presidential debate came after they had listened to the promises given out by the presidential aspirants and the promulgated manifesto”.

 

He said TMF will finance journalists to make follow ups on the pledges that will not be fulfilled by the presidential candidates as they pledged when seeking votes from the citizens.

 

For his part, Director at Compass Communications Company Limited Tanzania Maria Sarungi said preparations for the debate are almost completed.

 

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN