Nape’s Controversial Remarks Ignite Tensions in CCM as Tanzania’s Election Maneuvering Escalates

By Adonis Byemelwa

In a recent statement, Tanzania's Minister of Information, Communication, and Information Technology, Nape Moses Nnauye, assured residents of Bukoba and CCM members that their MP, Stephen Byabato, would win the upcoming election.

Minister Nape, who visited the region as part of his tour of the Lake Zone, is inspecting the construction of 758 communication towers across 26 regions in mainland Tanzania. His itinerary includes stops in Kigoma, Kagera, Geita, Mwanza, and Shinyanga.

 “Election results aren't necessarily what's in the ballot box; it depends on who counts and who announces them. There are many electoral strategies, legal, semi-legal, and illegal, and they can all be used as long as you end up saying, 'God forgive me,'" Nape declared.

Nape Nnauye's recent remarks at Kashai Market on July 15, 2024, have stirred controversy, claiming that election victories depend not on the votes cast but on who counts and announces the results. These statements clash with democratic principles, particularly as local elections and the 2025 general elections approach.

In response, the ruling party, Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has firmly rejected Nape's assertions. Amos Makalla, the party's Secretary for Ideology, Propaganda, and Training, stated on July 16, 2024, that such views do not reflect CCM's official stance. “A leader has suggested that election wins don’t come from ballot boxes. Let me clarify: this is not CCM's position,” Makalla asserted, reinforcing the party's commitment to fair electoral integrity.

Makalla emphasized that CCM respects the results and decisions made by the people through the ballot box. “CCM will honor any outcome, and anyone who wins fairly will be granted victory,” he added.

Nape's comments, made during an event where MP Stephen Byabato presented plans for the new Kashai Market, have raised significant eyebrows and heightened tensions ahead of the crucial elections.

These comments erode trust in the current government and its institutions, fostering a belief among the next generation that electoral malpractice is acceptable for the ruling party, says Gration Kishashu, a diaspora based in the US.

On September 16, 2023, Nnauye's assertion that data packages are a luxury and that those struggling should use regular credit sparked outrage among users already burdened by high network costs.

 This insensitivity has drawn comparisons to Marie Antoinette, the former Queen of France, who famously retorted, "Let them eat cake," upon learning her subjects had no bread. Such responses highlight a disconnect between leaders and the hardships faced by the populace, casting doubt on whether Article 8 of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, which mandates that leaders derive their power from the people, is anything more than a decorative piece in the law books.

If this constitutional mandate is disregarded, one might question why leaders take oaths on the Bible, Quran, and Constitution. Citizens have the power to demand lower data costs, as enshrined in the Constitution.

Anyone opposing this should revisit the relevant legal provisions. In 2016, Nape criticized Tanzanians for supporting live broadcasts of parliamentary sessions, arguing that constant TV viewership detracted from productivity, thus justifying the discontinuation of live broadcasts.

Nape's remarks suggest that Tanzanians lack the discernment to balance entertainment and work, implying the need for ministerial guidance even in personal matters like family care and education expenses. During the 2010 election, Nape bluntly stated that CCM would win even by a "handball goal," indicating his readiness to condone electoral fraud to secure victory.

In June of this year, Nape praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan for allowing opposition rallies, only to accuse the opposition of ingratitude and divisiveness. "Some have many questions on this matter, and they have been answered well.

 But a few use this debate to divide the nation. We should not leave them be; let's confront them openly," Nape declared passionately, emphasizing the need to protect national unity at any cost. This statement has since led to threats against activists like Lugemeleza Nshala and treason charges against figures such as Dr. Wilbord Slaa and lawyer Boniface Mwambukusi.

Currently, political circles in Bukoba indicate a fierce competition between Stephen Byabato and Special Seats lawmaker, Neema Lugangira, who has been actively engaging with the community and providing assistance, with analysts linking her activities to strategic maneuvers to outshine Byabato. Nape's controversial visit to Bukoba aimed to bolster Byabato's position amid public displays of vulnerability.

Byabato, who is also the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, recently appealed to Bukoba residents during the signing ceremony for the construction of a new modern bus terminal.

 "Bukoba is ours to develop or destroy. I ask for your cooperation to advance our city. I will not abandon my projects for fear of losing my seat. If I must choose, let the seat go, but let the projects continue," Byabato pleaded, his eyes brimming with tears.

The local CCM leadership criticized Byabato for airing grievances publicly instead of through proper channels, intensifying internal party conflicts.

The political landscape in Bukoba is further complicated by Justine Kimodoi, a businessman based in the U.S., who has been involved in a palm tree planting project that faced sabotage. These tensions unfold as CCM's Mainland Vice Chairman, Abdulrahman Kinana, warned party members aspiring for leadership positions to wait until the official election period. Kinana instructed political committees and ethics bodies to monitor and address premature campaign activities.

Kinana's recent remarks in Hai, Kilimanjaro, praised MP Saashisha Mafuwe for his exemplary leadership and called for unity within the party. "Our party has a well-established system for elections. From the presidency to local leadership, we have a code of ethics guiding us," Kinana asserted on September 5, 2023, underscoring the importance of adhering to CCM's electoral rules and government regulations.

This call for unity contrasts sharply with Nape's controversial remarks, which criticized efforts to undermine others by launching premature campaigns. Such comments have stirred tensions within the party, raising questions about loyalty and integrity as elections approach.

 Adding to this complexity, secondary school headmasters, under the guidance of former Education Minister Joyce Ndalichako, recently contributed significant sums toward President Samia's nomination forms, indicating a strong push for her continued leadership.

The juxtaposition of Kinana’s emphasis on ethical conduct and Nape's concerns about premature campaigning highlights the intricate dynamics at play within CCM, as factions vie for influence ahead of the upcoming electoral cycle. The growing financial backing for President Samia's nomination further complicates the landscape, suggesting that unity may be harder to achieve as ambitions rise.