CHADEMA TO SET A SIDE SH 5BLION FOR CAMPAIGNS

By Beatus Kagashe

The opposition Chadema plans to spend Sh5 billion in its campaigns ahead of the forthcoming General Election.

In contrast, the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) expects to use Sh50 billion in its campaigns.

Chadema secretary-general Willibrod Slaa said yesterday that sum would be spent on the party’s civic, parliamentary and presidential campaigns, adding that the money would also be used to hire a helicopter

He added that the party’s intention was to reach every corner of the country in its quest to win more civic and parliamentary seats. Chadema currently has five elected MPs and as many special seats parliamentarians.

Dr Slaa said Chadema did not have the money, but was confident that it would be able to raise the amount before campaign officially start on August 20.

“We are looking forward to our members, supporters and other well-wishers contributing generously to make this goal a reality.”

However, he acknowledged that under the new election financing law, which requires people contributing to political parties to give their names, physical addresses and other particulars, many people would be apprehensive about giving cash lest they are harassed by the government for supporting the Opposition.

Dr Slaa said Chadema would field a presidential candidate and nominate candidates in all constituencies.

“We will have a presidential candidate in these elections...we will also nominate parliamentary candidates in all constituencies. We know that many people support our party which has shown to be sincere in the war against grand corruption,” he said.

Nominations forms would be issued from today to August 9, which is also the deadline for submitting the documents.

Chadema will pick its candidates for the Union and Zanzibar presidencies on August 11. The party’s national executive committee is scheduled to meet on the following day to approve the candidates.

In another development, Dr Slaa accused state organs of harassing and intimidating Chadema supporters in higher learning institutions.

He said the Chadema central committee was also saddened by the government’s failure to take appropriate actions to implement parliament’s resolutions on important national issues.