A day after collecting forms to run for the Zanzibar presidency, political scientists have tipped Vice-President Ali Mohammed Shein to eclipse his opponents in the race for the CCM ticket.In separate interviews yesterday, Dr Shein, who has surprised political pundits by joining in the race to succeed Mr Amani Abeid Karume, was seen as having the best chance of landing the ruling party’s nomination.
Ten candidates had come forward to try their luck ahead of the October 31 General Election in Zanzibar. The list grew yesterday after three more prospective candidates said they would collect forms today.
Those who picked up forms on Monday included Dr Shein, East Africa Cooperation deputy minister Mohammed Aboud and Tanzania’s ambassador to Italy, Mr Ali Karume, who is the incumbent President’s younger brother.
Others were Chief Minister Shamsi Vuai Nahodha, Deputy Chief Minister Ali Juma Shamhuna, former Chief Minister Mohamed Gharib Bilal and Zanzibar Commissioner for Education and Culture Hamad Bakari Mshindo.
Those expected to enter the race today include prominent businessman Mohamed Raza Dharamsi, Zanzibar Education minister Haroun Ali Suleiman and Mr Mohamed Yusuf Mshamba.
President Karume’s second and final five year term has set stage for what is expected to be a bruising battle to succeed him.
Prof Mwesiga Baregu, a political scientist with St Augustine University of Tanzania, said yesterday that the high turnout for candidates seeking the CCM ticket in Zanzibar signalled a fierce contest for nomination. He, added, however, that Dr Shein’s low profile could work in his favour.
“There has been a lot of political controversies in the Isles but not in any of them is Dr Shein’s name mentioned. This could give him a head start over the others because he will be viewed as a unifying factor,” said Prof Baregu.
He added that the Vice-President, who is from Pemba, would be well placed to deal with the longstanding struggle with Unguja and the undertones of Arab influence.
“He is also not in any CCM camps in the Isles and this may work out well for him among the moderates,” he said adding that his role in chairing the committee for resolving union matters was a positive for him.
A law lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam, Dr Sengondo Mvungi, said it was an encouraging sign of democracy for many people to seek the presidency in Zanzibar on the CCM ticket.
“I will leave the decision on who is better to the electorate but because Dr Shein has been the union’s Vice-President, going for the top seat in Zanzibar is almost a concluded affair,” he said. He cautioned however against speculations on CCM’s own internal affairs.
Another University Don and Chairman of the Research got Democracy and Education in Tanzania (Redet) Dr Benson Bana said those expressing their wishes to run the countries should be congratulated.
He said in Zanzibar, because all th candidates are expected to implement the CCM manifesto, it remains to be seen who is well prepared for the task. “It is enough to just say that Zanzibar needs a president to unify the people and not revert to the old bad politics.
In Dodoma, Mr Shamsi Vuai Nahodha declared that he was ready to do battle, saying it was not by accident.
Speaking shortly after appearing in the National Assembly, Mr Nahodha, who was to take part in the ruling party’s Central Committee (CC) meeting, said he wanted to fulfill his dream to become Zanzibar’s president.
“I’m not imitating others and I’m sure I’m going to win...I do not have a record of failing,” said Mr Nahodha shortly after having talks with National Assembly Speaker Samuel Sitta and Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda.
“I have been a politician for many years...I have worked in various strategic positions...after working as the head of government businesses in the position of chief minister, time is ripe I became president,” he said.
He played down critics that he is still too young to become the number one citizen in Zanzibar.
Elsewhere, political activists scoffed at President Jakaya Kikwete’s stated priorities that he announced as he collected nomination forms to run for a second term in office.
Speaking to The Citizen in separate interviews, they said Mr Kikwete failed to implement many of them during his first term although they were in the 2005 CCM election manifesto.
They questioned whether he would be able to execute them in the next five years when re-elected as President for a final term in office.
President Kikwete outlined 11 priority areas that would form the core of his administration if he is re-elected.
NCCR Secretary-General Samuel Ruhuza said Mr Kikwete should be challenged during the campaign period to explain his record for the last five years.
Chadema national chairman Freeman Mbowe urged the electorate to interrogate those seeking their support to be elected to lead the country.
“As a party we can’t criticise Kikwete’s speech because as a candidate he is free to air his views,” said Mr Mbowe. Tanzania Labour Party Deputy Secretary General Hamad Tao welcomed President Kikwete’s priority areas, but said some were too late.
CUF Deputy Secretary General for Zanzibar Juma Duni Haji said the CCM leader’s motto had done little to help improve the lives of poor Tanzanians.
Chama Cha Jamii (CCJ) secretary-general Renatus Muabhi said CCM’s new slagan for the 2010 elections was “just propaganda.”
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