Tanzanians reelected President John Pombe Magufuli of Chama Cha Mapinduzi on 28th October, this year. Magufuli’s victory drew controversies as opposition alleged widespread irregularities in the polling stations. According to the national electoral commission of Tanzania, out of all the total votes cast, Magufuli received 85%, which is about 12.5 million ballots. Meanwhile, his main opponent, Tundu Lissu of CHADEMA, got 13% which is equivalent to 1.9 million.
Lissu refused to acknowledge the results. Together with the opposition leaders from ACT Wazalendo, they organized peaceful demonstrations to call for fresh polls. However, the police arrested them before the protests began. Hence this week, Lissu and his accomplices have been in police custody. Several states are questioning the state of democracy in Tanzania. The international observers who were watching the election process reported that the voters looked scared. Why? The government had deployed several officers in the polling stations. Hence the process did not look like it was free and fair.
The Inauguration
The swearing-in ceremony occurred on Thursday 5th, 2020 in the capital in Jamhuri stadium. Heavily armed military and police guarded the ceremony just in case chaos broke out. John Pombe Magufuli was sworn in by Prof Juma Ibrahim, the chief justice. President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Yoweri Museveni together with thousands of Tanzanians had attended the ceremony. During the inauguration, President Magufuli thanked Tanzanians for electing him for a second term. He promised to ensure the completion of the projects he had started in the country and continue with the fight against corruption and unemployment. He guaranteed the people that he would look into poverty and other challenges Tanzanians are facing. The newly elected President stated:
“What is important now is that people focus on building the economy of our country. I want to assure you, my fellow Tanzanians, of both the oaths I and my fellow vice President took to respect the constitution of our country. We shall make sure we respect and protect it no matter the cost.”
Reactions
As much as Magufuli’s victory sparked a lot of controversies, his supporters were belated. They expressed how happy they were that Magufuli had managed to stay in power. Amina Thabit, a resident of Dodoma cannot hide her excitement on Magufuli’s victory. She says she feels so happy and pledges to the President to continue helping and improving the infrastructure. Under Magufuli’s reign, she says children from poor families now have access to free education.
Omary Masito, who is also a Tanzanian, stated that he is hopeful President Magufuli will once more fulfill the promises he gave. He says having done well in his first term and accomplishing most of his projects; they trust in his governance. Omary stated:
“We expect him to fulfill all those promises he gave. We trust him. I think he did well in his first term, he managed. He fulfilled most of his promises. A few of his projects are pending.”
It appears most of the Tanzanians are contented with Magufuli’s re-election. Hopefully, tensions won’t break out amid confrontations between the government and opposition.
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