I have hardly ever seen television during my African Adventures. Usually a news junkie, i have not heard any World News since being in the centre of it all in South Africa for the World Cup.
Nonetheless, during my stay in Moshi at Buffalo's i find the Tanzanian elections making the headlines. Voting for the elections begins tomorrow. There has been a bit of frenzy this week with political parties involved in last minute canvasing with political rallies, marching bands, dance troupes and vans driving through the streets almost continually blaring distorted messages political messages and music.
Whilst not expecting any change of government, BBC World point to the uniqueness of Tanzania. Despite being home to over 100 separate tribes, unlike nearby neighbours, Rwanda, Kenya and Somalia, voting is not controlled by tribalism. Indeed those interviewed for the News Bulletin were quick to point out, whether Maasai, Haya, Chagga, Bantu et. al. there is a very strong sense of Tanzanian identity.
Fortunately violence has not played a part this year, unlike elections held in 2000 and 2005, although i am told that tourist numbers have been particularly down this month with fear of trouble. Next month marks the high tourist season and it is hoped by the tourist industry that the slump is over.
Showing posts with label elections. Show all posts
Showing posts with label elections. Show all posts
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Election Time in Zanzibar
On October 31st Zanzibar goes to the election polls. I get a chance to meet a Political Analyst lecturer from a Washington University who is covering this year's election in the US.
The current ruling party has been in power since 1964, but this is the first year that at least locally, the opposition have a chance of success with a popularist local candidate standing as Chief Minister.
It is also the first year that there has been no violence. Rasta Dulla tells me his brother was shot dead in the 2005 Zanzibar elections, and even on sleepy Pemba there was mass beatings dished out by the army. In 2000 violence was even more a part of the course.
The manager of my current guest house on Pemba tells me with humble pride that he has been selected as a local councillor candidate for the opposition party and indeed i see his poster all over the walls of Mkaoni.
Noone predicts any change nationally. The ruling CCM party bribe, cajole and outspend its rivals and control much of the media anyway.
my landlord on Pemba and member of the opposition
The current ruling party has been in power since 1964, but this is the first year that at least locally, the opposition have a chance of success with a popularist local candidate standing as Chief Minister.
It is also the first year that there has been no violence. Rasta Dulla tells me his brother was shot dead in the 2005 Zanzibar elections, and even on sleepy Pemba there was mass beatings dished out by the army. In 2000 violence was even more a part of the course.
The manager of my current guest house on Pemba tells me with humble pride that he has been selected as a local councillor candidate for the opposition party and indeed i see his poster all over the walls of Mkaoni.
Noone predicts any change nationally. The ruling CCM party bribe, cajole and outspend its rivals and control much of the media anyway.
my landlord on Pemba and member of the opposition
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