Nearly 25 different political parties plan to conduct a ‘united’ open-air, public meeting in Arusha next Friday to cement agenda of peace in the country.
Arusha City
Also to be attended by religious leaders from all the mainstream denominations and sects in Arusha Region, the first such political rally is scheduled to be held at the Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium and thousands of people are expected to turn up at the afternoon gathering.
The Registrar of Political Party, Judge Francis Mutungi stated here that, the aim of the proposed multi-political parties’ open air meeting, which has so far attracted 22 political organizations, has been coordinated by the office of the registrar of political parties in Dar-es-salaam.
“The country has witnessed bloodshed, chaos and conflicts caused by people who are not ready to embrace their political or religious differences and Arusha has so far suffered badly from such mayhems,” said Judge Mutungi, adding that during the rally, people will be permitted to attend dressed up in respective party uniforms.
The Registrar revealed that during his special meeting with religious and political party leaders in Arusha when he pointed out that, the city, being the pivotal hub in both Tanzania and East African tourism, cannot sit back and watch its once peaceful atmosphere being thrown into the bin due to ideological conflicts between the once-united local residents.
On his side the Arusha- Urban Member of Parliament, Mr Godbless Lema said the differences between his party the Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) and the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) have been resolved and that the two parties will now work together peacefully.
The MP also added that he no longer had qualms with Arusha Regional Commissioner, Mr Magessa Mulongo with whom they had been quarreling incessantly.
The Regional Commissioner also cautioned the media against fuelling conflicts and advised instead that such outlets should always advocate for peace and tranquility.
By YASINTA AMOS, Tanzania Daily News
