Recount Demanded in Congo Election

Martin Fayulu

By MATHILDE BOUSSION and SALEH MWANAMILONGO
Associated Press

   KINSHASA, Congo (AP) - Congo's presidential runner-up Martin Fayulu on Saturday said he has asked the constitutional court to order a recount in the disputed election, declaring that "you can't manufacture results behind closed doors."

   He could be risking more than a court refusal. Congo's electoral commission president Corneille Nangaa has said there are only two options: The official results are accepted or the vote is annulled - keeping President Joseph Kabila in power until another election.

   "They call me the people's soldier ... and I will not let the people down," Fayulu said. The court filing includes evidence from witnesses at polling stations across the country, he said.

   Rifle-carrying members of Kabila's Republican Guard deployed outside Fayulu's home and the court earlier Saturday. It was an attempt to stop him from filing, Fayulu said while posting a video of them on Twitter: "The fear remains in their camp."

   Fayulu has accused the declared winner, opposition leader Felix Tshisekedi, of a backroom deal with Kabila to win power in the mineral-rich nation as the ruling party candidate did poorly.

   The opposition coalition for Fayulu, a businessman vocal about cleaning up widespread corruption, has said he won 61 percent of the vote, citing figures compiled by the Catholic Church's 40,000 election observers across the vast Central African country.

   Those figures show Tshieskedi received 18 percent, the coalition said.

   The church, the rare authority that many Congolese find trustworthy, has urged the electoral commission to release its detailed vote results for public scrutiny. The commission has said Tshisekedi won with 38 percent while Fayulu received 34 percent.

   Earlier on Saturday, the commission announced that Kabila's ruling coalition had won an absolute majority of national assembly seats. That majority, which will choose the prime minister and form the next government, sharply reduces the chances of dramatic reforms under Tshisekedi.

   Congolese now face the extraordinary situation of a presidential vote allegedly rigged in favor of the opposition. "This is more than an electoral farce; it's a tragedy," the LUCHA activist group tweeted, noting a ruling party majority in provincial elections as well.

   This could be Congo's first peaceful, democratic transfer of power since independence from Belgium in 1960, but observers have warned that a court challenge could lead to violence.

   The Dec. 30 election came after more than two turbulent years of delays as many Congolese worried that Kabila, in power since his father was assassinated in 2001, sought a way to stay in office to protect his sprawling assets.

   "Even if Tshisekedi's presidency survives these court challenges, he will be compromised beyond repair and reliant on Kabila, whose patronage network controls most of the country's levers of power, including the security forces," professor Pierre Engelbert, a fellow with at the Atlantic Council's Africa Center, wrote on Friday.

   Statements on the election by the international community, including African regional blocs, have not congratulated Tshisekedi, with some looking forward to final detailed results and many urging against violence.

   Congo's 80 million people have been largely peaceful since the vote, though the U.N. peacekeeping mission reported at least a dozen deaths in protests in Kwilu province. Authorities also noted demonstrations in Kisangani and Mbandaka cities.

   Internet service has been cut off across the country since election day.

   Tshisekedi had not been widely considered the leading candidate. Long in the shadow of his father, the late opposition leader Etienne, he broke away from the opposition's unity candidate, Fayulu, to stand on his own.

   After election results were announced, Tshisekedi said Kabila would be an "important partner" in the transition.

   Fayulu, who was backed by two popular opposition leaders barred by the government from running, is seen as more of a threat to Kabila's interests.

   The difference between Tshisekedi and Fayulu in official results was some 684,000 votes. One million voters were barred from the election at the last minute, with the electoral commission blaming a deadly Ebola virus outbreak. Elsewhere, observers reported numerous problems including malfunctioning voting machines and polling stations that opened hours late.

   The presidential inauguration will be on Jan. 22, the electoral commission said Saturday.

Honourable John Magufuli wins Tanzania Election

   DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (AP) - Tanzania's ruling party has won the country's presidential election, defeating an opposition alliance that had hoped to end the party's five-decade grip on power, the country's election commission announced on Thursday.

   John Magufuli, the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (Revolutionary Party) candidate, won with 58 percent of the votes cast. Edward Lowassa of the Chadema party and who was also backed by three other parties, got 40 percent of votes, said Damian Lubuva, the head of the election commission. He made the announcement in Tanzania's commercial capital, Dar es Salaam.

   Magufuli has been serving as public works minister in the government of the outgoing president, Jakaya Kikwete. Lowassa, who served as prime minister from 2005 to 2008, used to belong to the ruling party but defected after failing to become its presidential candidate.

   Both candidates drew crowds during campaigns across the country and it was the country's closest election.

   Lowassa said Wednesday he is disputing some results and wants a recount, and accused the election commission of posting some false results in favor of Magufuli.

   The semi-autonomous island archipelago of Zanzibar also voted for its own president and other local leaders, but the results were nullified Wednesday over allegations of voting irregularities. The opposition Civic United Front had claimed victory in Zanzibar's presidential election.

   International observers said in a joint statement Thursday they were concerned by the decision to annul the Zanzibar results after what they said was a credible election.

   "Democracy, peace and unity in Zanzibar is at stake," the statement said.

   Tanzania was formed when Zanzibar and Pemba island united with mainland Tanganyika in April 1964, three months after the islands' black majority overthrew the traditional Arab rulers.  For years, many have felt that Zanzibar, and its ancient capital, Stone Town, have been relegated to second-class status.

Uchaguzi - Tanzania 2015 - Tunaomba kuwe na Amani Tanzania

Wadau,  WaTanzania wa Disapora wanaomba Uchaguzi 2015 upite kwa AMANI.

Mungu awabariki wagombea na waTanzania.

May the Best Man win!

Wagombea Wakuu ni Mh. Edward Lowassa (UKAWA) na Mh. John Pombe Magufuli (CCM)

Anguko la Upinzani Nchini Na Hadithi ya Bora Shetani Nimjuaye Kuliko Malaika Nisiyemjua! - Edward Lowassa

Edward Lowassa, Anguko la Upinzani Nchini Na Hadithi ya Bora Shetani Nimjuaye Kuliko Malaika Nisiyemjua!

Na Dkt. Hamisi Kigwangalla

Raia Mwema. Agosti 26, 2015.

Nimekuwa na siku nyingi kidogo sijaandika. Leo nikiwa Arusha nikitokea msibani Usangi kumzika Mzee wetu na muasisi wa TANU na CCM, Mzee Peter Kisumo, nilikutana na marafiki zangu wa UKAWA na tukataniana kidogo; na hapo nikasikia matumaini waliyokuwa nayo, si ya kushinda uchaguzi bali ya kukidhoofisha chama changu, Chama Cha Mapinduzi, mmojawapo alisema: ‘baada ya Oktoba CCM na uwanja wa siasa hautabaki sawa na leo…CCM haitokuwa imara na salama tena.’

Mazungumzo yale yalinifikirisha. Nikafanya tafakuri tunduizi. Nikaamua kuweka mawazo yangu kwenye rekodi.

Kwa hakika ushindi kwa CCM mwaka 2015 kwenye uchaguzi mkuu kwa nafasi za Urais, wabunge na madiwani uko wazi kabisa. CCM itapata ushindi wa kishindo. Kwa nini? Nitafafanua kwa ufupi tu hapa.

Sababu kubwa za kwa nini CCM itashinda mwaka huu ni zifuatazo; kwanza, CCM ni chama ambacho kimejengwa kwenye misingi na itikadi, na kina wanachama wengi zaidi wanaoamini kwenye itikadi na misingi hiyo kuliko wale wachache wanaokiuka, mfano mzuri ni wale wanaofanana na Ndg. Edward Lowassa ambaye aliondolewa kwenye kinyang’anyiro cha Urais bila maelezo ya kina, japokuwa wengi wa wachambuzi wa mambo ya kisiasa walibaki wakisema kwa kiasi kikubwa inawezekana ni historia yake ya kuhusika kwenye moja ya skendo kubwa kabisa za ufisadi kuwahi kutokea nchini, maarufu kama ‘kashfa ya Richmond’. Kashfa hii ilipelekea kujiuzulu kwake nafasi ya uongozi wa Waziri Mkuu.

Pili, CCM ndicho chama pekee chenye muundo thabiti wa kitaasisi – kutokea kwenye nyaraka mbalimbali zinazoeleweka, muundo wa utumishi, watumishi na ofisi, muundo wa vikao na ratiba zake, sera, itikadi, vifaa na majengo, na vitega uchumi vinavyoendeshwa kwa mfumo unaoeleweka, ukilinganisha na vyama vya upinzani vinavyoendeshwa kwa matukio – ni tukio moja baada ya jingine, hakuna mfumo wa muundo wa kitaasisi uliosimama na unaoeleweka. Vyama vingi vya upinzani vinajaribu kuanza harakati za kuunda mfumo na muundo wa kitaasisi lakini havijafika popote.

Tatu, CCM ni chama chenye wanachama wengi kuliko vyote; kwa mtaji wa wanachama zaidi ya milioni saba, ukiongeza na wapenzi, washabiki na watu wanaoamini tu kwenye uwepo wa dola imara inayotokana na CCM, kwa hakika ushindi kwa CCM ni dhahiri. Namba zina sifa moja kubwa, kuwa huwa hazisemi uongo.

Nne, CCM itashinda mwaka huu sababu imefanya kazi nyingi na zinaonekana. Sintozitaja kwenye makala hii.

Tano, CCM inafanya mabadiliko ya uongozi, sera, mikakati yake ya kuendesha shughuli zake na ina falsafa ya ‘kujikosoa na kukosoana’ na inakubali kujirekebisha ama kurekebishwa. Tofauti na vyama vingi vya upinzani, ambavyo toka vianzishwe, baadhi yavyo, mpaka leo hii havijawahi kufanya mabadiliko kwenye sera, muundo na hata sura za viongozi wake, na badala yake vinaongozwa na familia ama watu wa kanda ama kabila fulani. Ukitaka kubadilisha sura za viongozi utakumbana na hasira za waasisi hao wenye vyama hivyo.

Sita, ngome za CCM hazijatikiswa hata kidogo na haziwezi kuyumba ndani ya miezi hii miwili ya kampeni. Ushindi kwenye serikali za mitaa wa takribani asilimia 80 ni kipimo tosha kuwa bado CCM ni chama kilichojikita mpaka kwenye nyumba kumi za kila mtaa/kitongoji, na kwamba bado kinapendwa na kuaminiwa na watanzania walio wengi.

Saba, kitendo cha UKAWA kuwa tayari kumpokea na kumteua Ndg. Lowassa kuwa mgombea wao ni pigo kubwa kwao; kwanza ni kiongozi mbabe na asiyeshaurika, hawezi kukubali kuendeshwa na taratibu za vyama hivyo – anajiamini yeye ni ‘taasisi’, maarufu na ana timu ya kumfanyia kazi, tayari tunavyoongea amekwisha wakatisha tamaa wenzake aliowakuta huko, baada ya kuvijenga vyama vyao kwa jasho na damu kwa miaka zaidi ya 20, ameingia yeye tu na kateuliwa kuwa mgombea wao, na tayari ameanza kuzitenga timu za kampeni alizozikuta huko na mifumo ya uongozi aliyoikuta huko na kuanza kutumia makundi yake ya Urais aliyotoka nayo anakokujua.

Nane, kuna hiki kitu wataalamu wa mambo ya siasa wanaita ‘incumbency advantage’, yaani ‘faida ya kuwepo madarakani’. Hii peke yake, kisaikolojia, inaiweka CCM juu ya vyama vingine hata kabla hatujaanza kampeni.

Tisa, kwenda kwa Ndg. Lowassa na hatimaye kuteuliwa kupeperusha bendera ya UKAWA kunafanya kambi ya upinzani, iliyoungana, kwa mara ya kwanza kuwa kwenye upande wa kujitetea (defensive side) muda wote, nafasi ambayo hawajazoea kucheza kwenye mechi hizi, badala ya ile ya kushambulia (offensive), ambayo wameizoea. Pia kwenda kwake UKAWA na wao kumkubali kunajenga mazingira ya kuwafanya wapinzani waonekane ni wenye tamaa ya kushika dola kwa nguvu zote hata kama ni kwa kuchukua makapi; kwamba, wanataka kwenda kwenye pepo ya mwenyezi Mungu hata kama ni kwa kupitia kwa shetani!

Maana kumchukua mtu kama Ndg. Edward Lowassa kuwa mgombea wao, ambaye walitumia muda mwingi na nguvu zao zote kumchafua, na ambaye wanapaswa wamshukuru kwa kuwapa umaarufu na heshima nchini – kipindi wakimchafua, kunaondoa imani ya wananchi juu ya nguvu ya kimaadili (moral authority) ya wao kukemea ufisadi, na kunazua maswali ya uhalali wao kisiasa (political legitimacy) na maswali ya thamani yao kiitikadi na kimaadili (ideological values and integrity): kwamba, kama wiki tatu zilizopita alipokuwa akigombea kupitia CCM alikuwa shetani, na leo anagombea kupitia UKAWA amekuwa malaika, kwamba alikuwa shetani kwa miaka 8, na leo amegeuka malaika kwa kuingia UKAWA.

Kumi, Chama Cha Mapinduzi, kimeteua mgombea mzuri wa Urais. Ndg. John Pombe Magufuli anamuacha mbali Ndg. Edward Lowassa kwa sifa za kimaadili, mwonekano wa kiutendaji, imani ya wapiga kura kwenye uwezo wa kutekeleza ahadi atakazotoa, uwezo wa kuhutubia, uwezo wa kiutendaji, na rekodi ya mafanikio katika utendaji, uadilifu, elimu na hata uwezo wa kufanya kampeni na kujieleza.

Kumi na Moja, kwenda kwa Ndg. Edward Lowassa UKAWA kumefanya watu wanaoamini kwenye mabadiliko ya kweli kutokea nje waone kama wamesalitiwa maana Ndg. Lowassa si mwanamabadiliko, ni mtu wa mfumo wa kizamani (status-quo), lakini pia kumefanya wanasiasa walioupa upinzani nguvu na umaarufu kidogo walionao leo, ni kama hawajui la kusema wala la kufanya.

Ndg. Wilibrod Slaa – hatujui kama amejiuzulu wadhifa wake wa Katibu Mkuu wa CHADEMA na kama atarejea kwenye majukwaa kumsafisha Ndg. Lowassa ama ameamua kukaa kimya kabisa – yote ni machungu kwake, amsafishe ili avunje alichokijenga toka mwaka 2007 na astaafu kwa aibu? Na watanzania wamuone ni mtu asiyeamini kwenye chochote kile, ama anyamaze kimya, athibitishe kuwa aliyoyasema kwa kipindi chote hicho ni ya kweli, na kwamba wenzake ni walafi wa madaraka tu.

Profesa Ibrahim Lipumba, aliyeamua kujiuzuru wadhifa wake wa Mwenyekiti wa CUF kufuatia ujio wa Ndg. Lowassa amesema hakubaliani na uamuzi huu wa UKAWA.

Kwa hakika kuna makundi makubwa yaliyodumu kwenye ufuasi wa wanamageuzi hawa wakongwe kwa muda mrefu watakubaliana nao na hawatounga mkono UKAWA.

Kumi na Mbili, watanzania watachagua CCM kwa sababu, kwa wale wanamabadiliko walioamini kwenye mabadiliko kutokea nje ya mfumo hawatoona jipya linalokuja na UKAWA, wataona hakuna tofauti kati ya CCM na UKAWA na kwamba wataona bora hata ya CCM imekataa kwa vitendo, pamoja na vitisho vya ‘mafuriko ya kuigiza ya Ndg. Lowassa’, kwa kumkata jina na hatimaye kumuondoa kwenye mbio za Urais, kwa tuhuma za ufisadi uliokubuhu. CCM wamefanya hivyo bila kupepesa macho. Wametoa uongozi kwa nchi, wameonesha kuwa kuna mambo wanayoamini na wanayasimamia. Upinzani wamempokea na kumpa bendera yao apeperushe. Wapiga kura wataona hawa wanasiasa wote ni mashetani tu (kama kipimo cha wanasiasa ni ushetani), na watachagua bora shetani waliyemzoea kuliko malaika wasiyemjua na ambaye ameanza safari kuelekea kwenye dola kwa kusajili shetani mkubwa kuliko wote na kumwita ‘malaika’. UKAWA wamemomonyoka kimaadili (moral decay) zaidi ya CCM kwa kumpa bendera yao Ndg. Lowassa.

Kumi na Tatu, lugha ya CCM kwenye kampeni itakuwa rahisi sana kutokana na kuwa na mgombea wa upinzani wanayemjua vizuri, na lugha ya kuwasambaratisha wasemaji wote wa UKAWA itakuwa rahisi sana, maana CCM itakuwa na kauli zao wakimchafua Ndg. Lowassa alipokuwa CCM na watawakumbusha tu wananchi.

Kumi na Nne, uwezo wa kifedha wa Ndg. Lowassa utaathirika kwa sasa akiwa mgombea wa UKAWA kwa maana atahofia kutumia pesa zake nyingi kwenye kutafuta Urais kupitia upinzani hali ya kuwa anajua hana nafasi ya kushinda, pia marafiki zake waliokuwa wakimchangia kipindi akiwania Urais ndani ya CCM wamebaki CCM ama wanahofia kutengwa na CCM mara atakaposhindwa na hawana imani kuwa atashinda Urais kutokea nje ya CCM, na UKAWA hawana ruzuku ama vitega uchumi vya kulingana ama kuishinda CCM, hivyo vifaa vya kampeni (branding materials) ya CCM na uwezo wa kujitangaza utampoteza mgombea huyu mtata wa UKAWA mara moja kampeni zitakapoanza.

Kumi na Tano, UKAWA hawana sera ambayo itamuunganisha mgombea wao na kumuuza kwa wananchi sababu UKAWA siyo chama cha siasa, na hivyo mbali na kumsafisha mgombea wao, hawatokuwa na jipya la kutoa kwa umma ukilinganisha na CCM ambao watakuwa na ilani ya kueleweka na ambayo wataiuza kwa wananchi bila shaka.

Je, wataweza kumsafisha Ndg. Lowassa ndani ya siku 64 za kampeni na watanzania wakawaelewa? Ni maswali watakayopaswa kuyatafakari na kuyajibu, pengine wakati wanayapatia majibu, muda wa kampeni utakuwa umeishakwisha na watakuwa wameishashindwa uchaguzi.

Kwa vyovyote vile malengo ya Ndg. Lowassa, kudhoofisha CCM, hayatotimia na huu utakuwa ni mwisho wake kisiasa, na hatoanguka peke yake, ataanguka na vyama vyote vya upinzani vinavyounda UKAWA. Baada ya kushindwa kwenye uchaguzi mkuu wa Oktoba 25, siyo CCM itakayokuwa inarudi kwenye meza kujipanga upya, bali ni vyama vitakavyosambaratika kutoka UKAWA vitakavyorudi kujiuliza vilipoangukia na kuanza upya safari ya kujijenga, na hii ni kama hata kutakuwa na mabaki ya vyama hivyo.

Uchaguzi Yafanyika Lesotho

   JOHANNESBURG (AP) - The southern African nation of Lesotho on Saturday held an early election aimed at overcoming tension among political factions that has led to violence among security forces since last year.

   Voting proceeded smoothly in the mountain kingdom, one of the few countries on the continent to have experienced coalition rule. Analysts said there is a possibility that no party will win a majority, meaning the country could end up with another coalition government.

   Last year, Prime Minister Thomas Thabane suspended parliament to avoid a vote of no-confidence after his coalition government splintered. He fled to South Africa, alleging he was the target of a coup attempt, and returned under the protection of South African forces.

   The parliament has 120 seats and the country has 1.2 million registered voters.

   Lesotho has little strategic significance, although it is a vital source of highlands water for parched South Africa, which has one of the continent's biggest economies and has been heavily involved in trying to stabilize its small neighbor.

   South Africa's deputy president, Cyril Ramaphosa, frequently visited Lesotho to mediate among the factions ahead of the election. Ramaphosa said he was confident that conditions for free and fair elections had been met.

Uhuru Kenyatta Mwana wa "Mzee" Ni Rais Mpya wa Kenya

Hongera Mh. Uhuru Kenyatta kwa kuchaguliwa kuwa Rais na kufuata nyayo za baba yako Mzee Jomo Kenyatta (RIP).

Mh. Uhuru Kenyatta akipiga kura

Baba na Mwana

*************************************************

Kutoka CNN.COM

CNN) -- Uhuru Kenyatta, the son of Kenya's founding leader, won the presidential election by a razor-thin margin, sending throngs of supporters singing and dancing on the streets.

Kenyatta clinched 50.07% of the vote to edge out his main rival and boss, Prime Minister Raila Odinga, barely earning the required majority to avoid a runoff, the election commission announced Saturday.

To avoid a runoff, a candidate needed to break past the 50% mark to get a majority in the Monday election.

Kenyatta's win marks a unique quandary for the West.

He has been indicted by the International Criminal Court for allegedly funding a local militia to conduct reprisal attacks in the last election in 2007. His running mate, William Ruto, also faces ICC charges at The Hague. Both have denied the charges.

Kenyatta, who serves as the deputy prime minister in the current administration, has said the indictment will not affect his ability to do his job if elected.

"I have been a member of the government and I've still been able to execute my duties," he said a few days before the election. " I still believe I will be able to execute my duties as president once selected."

The international community, he said, should respect the will of Kenyans.

His trial was scheduled to start next month, but judges delayed it until July 9 to give the defense more time to prepare.

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WHILE KENYANS ARE HAPPY, OTHERS ARE NOT!

 NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - In a pointed first message to Kenya's newly elected leaders, United States Secretary of State John Kerry congratulates Kenya but doesn't once mention the president-elect, Uhuru Kenyatta.

   Kerry's message Saturday congratulated Kenyans for voting peacefully last Monday. Kerry said foremost for the U.S. was the desire "to see the will of the Kenyan people expressed freely and fairly." He urged parties to peacefully address any election disputes through the courts.

   Kenya's election commission on Saturday named Kenyatta, currently Kenya's Deputy Prime Minister, the winner with 50.07 percent of the vote. The U.S. has previously warned of "consequences" if Kenyatta wins. Kenyatta faces charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court for helping to orchestrate the vicious post-election violence that killed more than 1,000 people in 2007-08.

Website ya Rais Romney ilikuwa Hewani Leo Asubuhi!

Yaani hadithi za Gavana Romney haziishi. Leo asubuhi Website ya "Rais Romney" ilikuwa hewani. Imeshatolewa. Nadhani walikuwa na Timer kwenye hiyo site na walisahau kuizima aliposhindwa uchaguzi.

Romney alivyokuwa anajua kuwa atashinda uRais aliandika hituba ya kukubali ushindi na hakuandaika ya kushindwa. Ndo maana ilichukua muda kukukabli kushindwa.

Rais Barack Obama  wa chama cha Deomcrats alichaguliwa kuwa Rais wa Marekani kwa miaka minne zaidi katika Uchaguzi wa Novemba 6, 2012.

Mnaweza kusoma habari zaisi kwa KUBOFYA HAPA:

Rais Obama Ashinda Uchaguzi!

President Barack Obama

Rais Barack Obama ataendelea kuongoza Marekani kwa miaka minne zaidi baada ya kushinda uchaguzi wa Urais leo!

Mitt Romney's Job Interview for President of the USA

I received this via E-mail. Hilarious but much of it is sadly probably true!

*************************************************

Former MA Governor Mitt Romney

•Job Interview for President of the USA



1. Applicant’s name: W. M. Romney.

2. Nicknames: MittRobMe, Sybil, Three Faces of Eve, Reversible Mittens.

3. Previous Position: Opportunistic Financial Predator

4. Current Position: Technically unemployed - but benefiting from family inheritance, patronizing foreign entities for personal gain and avoiding taxes and the rule of law.

5. Current Income: That’s a secret, just like my religion and tax returns. Can we change the subject?

6. Job expectation: Turn the U.S. into a Theocratic Oligarchy Plutocracy.

7. Tell us about your previous career? CEO.

8. What did your job entail? Vulture capitalism, exploiting companies, employees, and middle class, outsourcing jobs, oops - erase all of that. I’d rather not go into detail, good things, but if you really knew you wouldn’t hire me.

9. Other career experience? Governor

10. Tell us more about your experience in this field: I’d rather not say, people know too much already, and please don’t ask about the 47th in job creation ranking . . .

11. If you are successful in getting the job what are your plans? AsI’ve made it very clear, if you knew my plans I wouldn’t get the job.

12. What makes you stand out from other candidates? I’m not them.

13. Why would we choose you over another candidate? I have been on every side of everything so how can I go wrong, you tell me? I’m a renaissance liar.

14. What do you believe in? My inherent right to use up America and spit out the remains for profit by virtue of birth. wealth, class and privilege.

15. What do you hope to gain from this experience? Ultimate power over a whole nation and planet and reorder the world in my image. A cold and calculating place where only those born into wealth and privilege deserve it and those that aren’t have to sacrifice all to keep us content. Aren’t you listening? I told you previously that I want to be President of a Theocratic Oligarchy Plutocracy.

16. Who is your real base? About 150 people but they can afford to spend enough billions and own enough of the media, to deceive the fools who would vote for me against their own interests.

17. What are your hobbies? Money, telling lies, hiding money, avoiding paying taxes on money, picture framing money, bobbing for money, needlepoint sewing images of money, stuffing mattresses with money, wallpapering my car elevator with money, wiping my hindpots with money dollar bills like Franklin, Cleveland - Wilson is my favorite, swimming in my money vault, worshipping money. . . . . Did I mention greed, lying, and money?

18. If chosen what will you do? None of the things I promised  because I said I won’t get the job if you knew. Stop trying to trick me by holding me accountable.

19. What are you counting on to be selected? Gullibility, Greed, Bigotry, and Hate.

20. Do you have any questions about family healthcare benefits? No. I was advised that my family and I would have excellent healthcare benefits paid by the Taxpayer, and I can even get a $77,000 tax
deduction for my horse, which includes $2000 for my horse’s healthcare.I’m not really concerned about healthcare for the rest of Americans, they can fend for themselves .

Tanzania: East Afrian "Zimbabwe"- Maoni

TANZANIA: EAST AFRICAN “ZIMBABWE”

By Dennis Biashara

My long memory doesn’t recall anything worse than what our country is going through right now and I have been struggling to get adjectives that can best describe the political.,
Social and economic situation in Tanzania. With just a few months into JK’s last 5years of “MAISHA BBORA” accompanied by a new set of promises: BAJAJ for pregnant mothers, “Machinga “ complex and flyovers ( coming on top of JK’s prority list), problems are coming thick and fast with the government making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

The disappointing conclusion of the October 2010 general elections conducted in circumstances only few can forget seems to have opened a new political page though, with the opposition growing from strength to strength and the month – watering prospect of having a new constitution in place.

In what neutrals considered a crime against democracy, the constitutionally most trusted lips of Justice Liwis Makame, the National electoral commission Boss announced CCM’s JK the winner and the whole election thing was done and dusted. Then people were anxious to see how the House would operate minus Samuel Sitta at the helm. Whether his removal by Makamba and CO was, with all due respect, the executive’s attempt to insulate itself against Vuvuzela like noise from the parliament is beyond me but we have already Witnessed drama. No doubt JK’s heart did a somersault when CHADEMA MPS adopted “walk out” tactics during his inaugural address to the parliament. Then english - shy Sophia Simba got a unanimous nod to represent Tanzania MPS to SADC though I can barely recall anything like SADC adopting Kizalamo as one of their official languages and now Mrema chairs one of parliamentary committees even though it is common knowledge that the man is pretty past his expiry date.

No sooner had election dust settled than disaster struck. The ICC verdict demanding TANESCO to compensate DOWANS for breach of contract was out and along with it came the announcement of long spells of uninterrupted electrical blackouts throughout the country.
Consequently, nearly every one in TZ is understandably talking about DOWANS and I wasn’t surprised when I went to Dar-er-saalam recently and my 4 year old first born Denilson could pronounce “DOWANS” with embarracing ease.

As the country was sinking deeper and deeper into the mire, the DOWANS saga had JK’s administration and his cabinet in particular split with ministers operating as individuals rather than a collective unit. The moment DOWANS crept in, collective responsibility and coordination went out the window. Apparently no one knows DOWANS’ owners despite the shocking minister of energy and the Attorney general’s appetite for immediate compensation of DOWANS there by allowing a whopping 94 billion shs to go down the drain. What baffles me is why the duo are still holding their offices even after the president’s ham – fisted pronouncement that his government would legally do whatever it takes to protect the financially troubled TANESCO from dishing out all that money to compensate people he himself doesn’t know about. Surprisingly this was in stark contrast to the Attorney general’s advice and CCM’s central committee of which Rostam Aziz, a man who’s in the thick of this cleverly woven set up is a member and could easily unravel the mystery of the DOWANS thing.

And then we have just seen the form four academic disaster. JK’s government might as usual be contemplating an enquiry commission but this is easy to explain though hard to take. You don’t get mangoes from an orange tree. It has taken a couple of years for the fact to sink in that Lowassa’s scheme for the mushrooming secondary school was headed for a flop. Building secondary schools without the necessary provision of qualified teachers and equipment doesn’t solve the problem. In the first place, these schools are understaffed and a few teachers you see in the most primitive villages are as lethargic as villagers themselves with their faces suggesting they are perhaps the most dispirited and demotivated individuals on earth. It appears Lowassa and his CCM colleagues had only numbers (quantity) in mind as incentive and quality still remain alien concepts.

Consequently, the recent Form Four results are by any standard catastrophic to say the least.
Then the question springs to mind: where will the form four dropouts go? Evidently no one within CCM ranks can respond to that but since they don’t posses any employable skills, thieving and prostitution industry are the most likely destinations for these youngsters.

Additionally, our economy is limping although the Bank of Tanzania Boss, like someone offering a glass of salt water to a thirsty man, came up with statistics suggesting the economy was doing fine. The problem with professors is they think we should always trust then whenever they speak. Even my homeboy professor Mukandala still thinks his REDET has to be trusted although there’s a fine line between REDENT’s findings and SHEIKH YAHAYA’s predictions. In truth, you don’t need economic expertise to tell how badly our economy is doing. While the government ‘s response to the police after the job well done in Arusha was to squeeze their allowances which to me suggests the government treasury is nearly in the RED, the sky rocketing inflation is already in double figures and the local currency (Tsh) is as worthless as yesterday’s MTAZANIA paper.

I almost laughed my lungs out when my old friend, Mr. Clause Msemwa told me : “ You need to own a money printing machine to survive in Dares-Salaam as money disappears faster than it enters peoples pockets”.

On the evidence of what I have seen, we need divine intervention otherwise Tanzania will degenerate into East African “Zimbabwe” albeit without sanctions.

While corruption which is at its most devastating and ugly form is spreading faster than HIV, foreigners get shocked when they learn with envious eyes and disbelief how potentially prosperous Tanzania is. The country is unbelievably blessed with lots of natural resources Tanzania is the third largest producer of gold in Africa, let alone tanzanite diamonds and an awful lot of tourist attractions including African’s highest point Mount Kilimanjaro plus thousands of acres of untilled land. These resources have not provided the required momentum for progress because the leaders we have today got their priorities wrong. They put their stomach and pockets ahead of the national interests; drawing satisfaction from stolen dollars stashed in overseas accounts.

The irony of our misfortune is that this is the place where man kind originated. Fossils discovered over 3 million years by anthropologists suggest the evolution of man from his ape-like ancestors probably took place in Tanzania.

I got surprised when Dr.Mwinyi and others in CCM ranks described the Gongolamboto tragedy as “accident” and it is hard to argue with them because CCM’s Makamba would definitely spring up with his biblical quotations. I dot not believe in “luck” or “accident”. All I know is there’s always a cause for whatever happens. Sadly for CCM, casualty; cause –effect relationship are perhaps the most difficult concepts to grasp.

Now that CCM are not only split but also running out of ideas, the most likely scenario is for people themselves to improvise and bring the country back to its feet.
If what is happening right now cannot convince CCM that they are not doing their job properly then nothing else will but my advice is to remind them that the primary role of the government is to protect its citizens.
Finally, these are purely my views period. Whatever the politicians will think of me is the least of my worries.


BIASHARA DENIS
LUSAKA

You can also reach me at biasharadennis@yahoo.com

Tangazo Kwa Watu Weusi Wote Marekani!

NImepata hii kwa e-mail leo. Ni kwelki weusi wengine wame call in sick ile washerekee!

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This may be the end of Affirmative Action. I am still celebrating.


SOMEONE WROTE:After watching the final debate last week it dawned on me that Obama could actually win this thing! If that happens there will be a lot of people (some of our co-workers included) who will be afraid that an Obama presidency will usher in the end of days. They'll be watching us on November 5th (the day after the election) for 'signs of the end' times. To keep the peace and keep a lot of folks from getting nervous, I think we should develop a list of acceptable celebrations and
behaviors we should probably avoid - at least for the first few days:

1) No crying, hugging or shouting 'Thank you, Lord' – at least not in public.

2) No high-fives - at least not unless the area is clear and there are no witnesses.

3) No laughing at the McCain/Palin supporters.

4) No calling in sick on November 5th. They'll get nervous if too many of us don't show up.

5) We're allowed to give each other knowing winks or nods in passing. Just try to keep from grinning too hard.

6) No singing loudly, 'We've Come This Far By Faith' (it WILL be acceptable to hum softly).

7) No bringing barbeque ribs or fried chicken for lunch in the company lunchroom for at least a week (no chitterlings AT ALL! This may make us seem too ethnic.)

8) No leaving Kool-aid packages at the water fountain.

9) No Cupid Shuffle during breaks (this could indicate a little too much excitement.)

10) Please no Moving On Up music (we are going to try to remain humble.)11) No grits, chicken & waffles and half & half for breakfast in the office12) No Obama Shuffle on the back parking lot or down the hall to the conference room.
13) No singing loudly…"Ain't No stopping Us now"
14) No block parties circling the perimeter of the White (Black) House

If I've missed anything, feel free to add to the list. I just want to make sure we're all on the same page when Obama brings this thing home on November 5th. Now let's make this thing happen!!!