Chadema gives e-membership system boost

Chadema national chairman Freeman Mbowe.PHOTO|FILE 

By Henry Mwangonde ,The Citizen Correspondent

IN SUMMARY

NCCR-Mageuzi national chairman James Mbatia said although some forces were scheming to wreck Ukawa, it was there to stay.

The four parties last week signed a memorandum of understanding through which they agreed to work together in removing CCM from power.Dar es Salaam. Chadema has launched an electronic system of raising funds and recruiting members.

Called e-membership system, it is aimed at supporting the party financially through mobile payments and paying for membership cards online.

The launch was attended by the party’s central committee members from various regions.

Also in attendance were other leaders of the Coalition of Defenders of the People’s Constitution (Ukawa), which encompasses Chadema, Civic United Front (CUF), NCCR-Mageuzi and National League for Democracy (NDL).

Chadema national chairman Freeman Mbowe described the move as important in reaching out to more Tanzanians who had the passion for democracy.

He said the party was aiming at strengthening itself in various parts of the country. “Democracy is costly. We have to work hard to dislodge CCM from power and the work has begun.”

He reiterated that the decision to cooperate with other political parties was an agenda that Chadema would always cherish.

Mr Mbowe said he would next week begin a tour of various regions to sensitise people to reject the proposed constitution.

NLD chairman Emanuel Makaidi said the work that the founders of multiparty democracy started some years ago was about to bear fruit.

He criticised the ruling party for failing to deliver to Tanzanians, insisting that the only solution was to give a chance for another party to change the situation.

NCCR-Mageuzi national chairman James Mbatia said although some forces were scheming to wreck Ukawa, it was there to stay.

“We are aware of such tricks but we stay firm,” he said without giving details.

One of the strategies is fielding one candidate in each of the elective positions during elections. The decision has been received with mixed feelings with some commentators warning the parties that might be the beginning of their end while others support them.