{UAH} Pojim/WBK: Where sparks will fly in struggle for Bunge seats - News | The Citizen

http://www.thecitizen.co.tz/News/Battle-lines-drawn-ahead-of-parliamentary-election/-/1840340/2839662/-/3eejr4z/-/index.html

Where sparks will fly in struggle for Bunge seats - News

Dar es Salaam. With the complete list of constituency nominees out, the die is cast for an epic showdown between some of the most bitter political rivals in the coming elections.

So far, the presidential contest has been dominated by Dr John Magufuli of CCM and Chadema's Edward Lowassa. At the constituency level, the just-released list of candidates vying to become MPs points to a clash of the titans—and some political careers are clearly in danger zone.

The voter is king at this stage and the politicians courting them will fall on their knees begging card holders to give them a leg up in the increasingly attractive political class. And careers will be made and broken as public figures, well heeled businessmen and those who have spent most of their lives in politics come face to face at the ballot on October 25. Matters have not been made easier, especially for CCM, following the opposition coalition's move to field single candidates in all the elective areas. CCM has tried its best to avoid repeating its mistake of 2010, when it fielded candidates it favoured contrary to the wishes of members. The Opposition has gone ahead, in the meantime, and picked candidates on the basis of their background and political influence. Here is a list of select regions and constituencies to watch if you are looking for a thrilling contest:

Political firebrand Zitto Kabwe shifted his base after a successful stint in Kigoma North for 10 years. He will square it out with Chadema's Daniel Lumenyela, a lawyer and community mobiliser who is currently the secretary of the region's bar association. Mr Kabwe will be working hard to please his new party—Act Wazalendo—but has to overcome the challenge from Dr Amani Kabourou of CCM, who will try to find his footing again after his back-and-forth defection between the Opposition and the ruling party.

While he appears to be set for a smooth ride given the opposition tide since Mr Edward Lowassa defected to Chadema, Mr Godbless Lema will have to contend with the deep pockets of business mogul Philemon Mollel.

One of the most interesting contests will probably be the battle between Rev Peter Msigwa of Chadema and Mr Frederick Mwakalebela of CCM and his former ally, Ms Chiku Abwao, who defected to ACT-Wazalendo. Mr Mwakalebela was axed in 2010 despite winning the public vote.

Bukoba Urban, Muleba North and Muleba South are among constituencies that are expected to stage a major contest between Chadema and CCM. In Muleba North, deputy minister for Energy and Minerals Charles Mwijage will face veteran journalist Ansbert Ngurumo, who is contesting on a Chadema ticket. The journalist is out to topple the minister.

The Minister for Land, Housing and Human Settlement Development, Prof Anna Tibaijuka, will face Mr Alistides Kashasila of Chadema. Moreover, Mr Wilfred Lwakatare will once more go up against former minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Khamis Kagasheki.

In Kyerwa, Mr Benedict Mutungirehi of Chadema will be going for the constituency against CCM's Innocent Bilakwate. In Mwanza, Chadema outgoing MPs for Ilemela and Nyamagana Highness Kiwia and Ezekiah Wenje will face CCM cadres Angelina Mabula and Stanslaus Mabula, respectively.

In Shinyanga, the ruling CCM will face off with Chadema. A former CCM cadre who defected to Chadema, Mr James Lembeli, will defend his Kahama Urban seat while Mr Fred Mpendazoe of Chadema will challenge Mr Suleiman Nchambi. Mr Mpendazoe defected from CCM to Chadema in 2009.

In Mara Region's Bunda Urban and Mwibara, Minister for Agriculture, Food Security and Co-operatives Stephen Wassira will face Ms Ester Bulaya, who recently defected from CCM to Chadema. Ms Bulaya has built a strong base that could boost her chances. The outspoken Mwibara MP, Mr Kangi Lugola, is expected to face a stiff challenge from Chadema's Harun Chiriko.

Where sparks will fly in struggle for Bunge seats - News | The Citizen

http://www.thecitizen.co.tz/News/Battle-lines-drawn-ahead-of-parliamentary-election/-/1840340/2839662/-/3eejr4z/-/index.html

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