Tanzania Set To Hold Presidential, Local Elections On October 28

By Nsunjo Erica

While neighboring countries still debate on how to deal with coming elections, Tanzanians is ready to go to the polls to vote in presidential and local elections on October 28, the electoral commission announced.

Tanzanians will elect a president, as well as lawmakers and local officials in a general election on October 28, the election commission announced on Tuesday.

Other countries like Uganda that are set to have elections next year are still debating on either having scientific elections because of COVID-19 or declare a state of emergency, however, Tanzania is ready to campaign and vote.

Tanzania’s National Electoral Commission (NEC) Chairman Semistockles Kaijage also announced in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday that campaigns for both the presidential and parliamentary elections will run for two months, ending on the eve of the 2020 general election.

“Election campaigns will officially start on August 26 to October 27 this year… The general election will be held on Wednesday, October 28,” said Mr. Kaijage.

According to sources, the election will for the first time be held on a weekday after faith-based organizations called for the change of day to allow room for worship activities at the weekend.

President John Magufuli will be seeking re-election for a second term, after being nominated as the ruling party candidate earlier this month.

As for the COVID-19 situation in Tanzania, the country has not released official case numbers since April 29 and unlike its neighbors, did not take any measures to combat the virus because according to President Magufuli, Tanzania is COVID-19 free.

On Monday, President Magufuli reiterated his claim that Tanzania has no COVID-19 patients, and urged international tourists to visit the country.

President Magufuli added that Tanzanians are all not being forced into wearing face masks with in the country not because they do not fear dying but because there is no COVID-19 in Tanzania.