Mixed feelings as Lowassa crosses over to Chadema

Former Prime Minister Edward Lowassa (R) receives his Chadema membership card from the opposition party's national Chairman, Freeman Mbowe.

Dar es Salaam residents yesterday expressed mixed reactions following the decision by the former Prime Minister Edward Lowassa to officially quit the ruling party CCM to join Chadema the country’s major opposition party.

Speaking in separate interviews, the residents said Lowassa was exercising his constitutional right.  Others pointed out that “he was all out for the Union presidency.” 

Prof Gaudence Mpangala, political analyst in Dar es Salaam said Lowassa had 100 reasons for joining the opposition party now forming the coalition of people’s constitution (Ukawa). 

However Mpangala pointed out that Chadema had the same reasons for inviting   Lowassa who was axed in the very early stages of the presidential hopefuls in Dodoma.

According to Mpangala the decision by Lowassa to join Chadema was something usual for politician. He maintained that for a politician to shift to another party she or he would have good reasons for the defection.

“Lowassa has made it clear. He was not happy with what happened in Dodoma when CCM dropped his name among the 38   presidential hopefuls.”

  He said Lowassa had a lot of followers and was likely to boost the number of members within Chadema.
Hellen Kijo-Bisimba the executive director for the legal and human rights centre expressed her personal opinion saying Lowassa’s decision shows that   “he is a power hungry and selfish man.”

Dr Bisimba said if he was determined and committed to bring tangible economic transformation in the country he should have remained in the government. He would have used his powers as a member and a leader of the ruling party.

I don’t see the logic behind him joining the opposition, rather I see it as just selfishness in him.

Marco Barnabas a resident of Ukonga, Dar es Salaam pointed out that the new development opens up a new chapter for the country’s upcoming race for the Union presidency.

He said, “I am not so sure, and I am scared of how matters have turned round.”

Barnabas was of the view that this year’s elections  will be a big  challenge for would be voters considering the prominence of the two people Dr John Magufuli under CCM ticket and Lowassa on the coalition of people’s constitution ticket.

Ubungo resident, Agnes Bernard hailed Lowassa for his decision to seek justice outside the ruling party noting that it was time for change and Tanzanians should support him for the bold decision he had taken.

In her opinion, she was now ready to register on the ongoing exercise for updating voter’s registration book.

Earlier she said, she had no interest to vote after Lowassa was axed within the ruling party.

Another contributor said at least people can now concentrate on other important issues after weeks of rumour-mongering on whether or not the CCM stalwart would ditch Chama Cha Mapinduzi.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN