They hoped Dr Slaa would improve the living standards of all Tanzanians if he becomes president.

Many people have hailed the presidential candidate on the Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema) ticket, Dr Willibrod Slaa, for articulating the party’s policies in a televised debate on Saturday.

They hoped Dr Slaa would improve the living standards of all Tanzanians if he becomes president.

From Arusha, our Bureau Chief Zephania Ubwani reports that the programme ran by ITV drew hundreds of people in villages and towns in Arusha and Manyara.

At a remote village of Haydom in Manyara Region, several bars and groceries were crowded, with people watching and listening to the former Catholic Church priest.
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“It is obvious that Dr Slaa has gained a mileage in his campaign for presidency. Everybody seems to be impressed by the way he articulated his priorities,” said Dr Haite Samhenda of the Haydom Lutheran Church.

He told The Citizen in a telephone interview that the Chadema presidential candidate appeared to be popular among various sections of
people in the northern regions for promising to tackle chronic issues such as land conflicts.

Mr Wilson Girengay, a businessman at Katesh in Hanang District, said Dr Slaa was attracting many people because of his ability to analyse the country’s social and political situations and why he was aspiring for the presidency.

However, he said he was concerned about the recent violence involving Chadema and CCM supporters in Maswa District in Shinyanga Region, which resulted in the death of a driver of a parliamentary candidate on the ruling party’s ticket.

Mr Girengay was worried that the incident might tarnish the image of Chadema and its presidential candidate.


Mr Elikarim Mangi, a trader based in Babati, criticised the government for failing to resolve land conflicts involving pastoralists and livestock keepers in various parts of the country.

“He (Slaa) has demonstrated to be bold in addressing burning issues facing society and will attract votes from those sections of society,” he stated.

Mr Iddi Mfinanga, a shopkeeper in downtown Arusha, described Dr Slaa as a presidential material and that he had attracted huge crowds since the election campaigns started.
The director of the Arusha Non-Governmental Organisation's Network, Mr John Bayo, said what the Chadema presidential candidate
was promising was in line with aspirations of many Tanzanians.

Dr Mark Bura, a health management consultant based in Arusha, said the former Karatu legislator appeared to give a tough challenge to CCM presidential candidate Jakaya Kikwete who is seeking re-election.

However, he said he did not agree with him on the provision of free education, saying it was impracticable. On whether Chadema
would form the next government, he said he was not sure.

A CCM leader at Nangwa village in Hanang, Mr Peter Hayumwa, also said Dr Slaa would not deliver in promise on free education if he comes to power.

“The country’s economy depends on revenue collections,” he said. He doubted whether Chadema would win the October 31
General Election because its network was not as vast as that of CCM.

Mr Mefunya Gapjojig, a retired district commissioner who now lives at Dirma village in Hanang, also played down the idea of free education, saying it did not even work during the government of Mwalimu Nyerere.

From Serengeti, Anthony Mayunga reports that Dr Slaa’s ability to articulate issues, attracted many people. They thronged bars and groceries to watch the presidential candidate fielding questions on a myriad of issues.

A worker with a non-governmental organisation, Right To Play, Mr Dennis, said Dr Slaa put across his message to almost every segment of society.

“I have been touched because he has analysed our problems and how he is planning to solve them in a way which I have never heard of before,” he said.

Mr Marwa Mwita from Rung’abure ward was happy with Dr Slaa’s investment plans and resolve to ensure the national resources befit Tanzanians and investors equally.

At Ubungo Bus Terminal, people gathered at the waiting lounge, where the TV sets have been installed to follow the debate.

In separate interviews with The Citizen after the end of the event, some people praised Dr Slaa for his ability in answering questions in the televised debate.

“As we approach the polling day, through this programme, Dr Slaa will have succeeded in passing his messages to those who have not heard his policies,” said Mr Rulagola Gunaguje, a city resident.

Mr Mengi Mbena said he listened to Dr Slaa and discovered that he was a serious candidate.

Mr Victor Mwakapusya, a Sinza resident in Dar es Salaam, said Dr Slaa addressed the religious issue properly and hoped that the debate would not be pursued further by some media outlets.

Mr David Mosha, from Mbezi in Dar es Salaam, said although Dr Salaa tried to cover many areas, he did not go deep into important issues such as thefts of public funds.

Ms Agatha Mujuni said before the debate she did know Dr Slaa well. “But I have now understood his position on various issues,” she said.

At Tabata Kimanga in Dar es Salaam, most bars stopped playing music to give patrons the chance to listen to the debate.

Mr Philbert Laurian congratulated Dr Slaa on his courage and strength to “face the public without fear and clearly state his policies”.

“Everybody knows what he has done in Parliament… with that courage he can make our country prosperous,” said Mr Laurian.

Ms Haika Mcharo said the debate showed that Dr Slaa knew a lot of problems facing Tanzanians and he was in a better position to deal with them.

But Mr Abdullah Musa said he was unhappy with the choice of the audience which was permitted to ask questions. “They should have invited senior editors and academics to ask his sensitive questions,” he suggested.

At Kimara, on the outskirt of Dar es Salaam, people supported the Chadema’s idea to participate in the live show.

“I think President Jakaya Kikwete needs to do so before October 31. We need to see presidential candidate being asked questions,” said Ms Anastazia Shangali.

Mr Enidi Mosha said Dr Slaa had made a good thing to discuss peace and security ahead of the country’s General Election on Sunday.

At Mabibo Makuburi in Dar es Salaam bars were crammed with people, listening to the debate.

“The man knows problems facing fellow Tanzanians, but I doubt whether other people are as committed as he is,” Mr Wilfred Katungutu, a resident of Mikongeni at Makuburi in Dar es Salaam said.

“He is fighting solo! Most of us like him just because he is patriotic but who else in his party has such qualities?” Ms Veronica Sylvester, a resident of Makuburi, said.