The way supporters of the three main candidates are fighting tooth and nail makes it seem as though there so much at stake here than what we are made to believe. I can’t tell why but I feel like there will be more than the usual finders’ keepers, losers’ weepers situation in Igunga.
By every definition of the phrase, campaigns for the by-election started on a high note. High profile figures launched the campaigns for their parties. Former president Benjamin Mkapa did the honors for his party (CCM) while the Zanzibar Second Vice President, Seif Sharif Hamad, did the same for CUF.
After curtains were raised by high profile figures, it was turn for the ‘little known’ to make their presence felt as well. And so high profile incidents of lawlessness ensued. The first to receive prominence was that of a young man believed to be a supporter of CCM being splattered with acid by purported Chadema supporters.
The young man is said to be in hospital until now receiving treatment. And many other unprecedented incidents followed. You know have stooped so low when national leaders start to encourage supporters to assault a district commissioner. This, again, happened in Igunga during campaigns for today’s polls.
Then there was an incident where another national leader, a renowned MP for many reasons, took to the stage during a campaign rally while armed. While he was at it, somehow someway he simply failed to conceal his weapon. It really makes one wonder what he was trying to prove to the crowd or authorities.
To cut a long story short, there are reports of bullets blazing in Igunga, people getting attacked by machetes and MPs being questioned and some taken to court. When you look at all the incidents, they bear a common feature; violence.
As for the young man who is still living in agony, I bet he is regretting why he got himself in the campaigns. He is hurt so bad there are fears that he might lose his sight altogether, and all that but for what?
After the by-election today, we pray life is going to go back to normal in Igunga, and perhaps even better to the winner and others who have something to gain from all this. But not to the young man and perhaps many others who might end up in prison or remain fugitives for years.
The fact that the DC is a woman and a Muslim angered many Muslims because during the assault she was stripped off her veil. Uncovering a Muslim woman in public constitutes a serious offence in Islam. Consequently, such an incident may only stir settled waters leading to unnecessary unrest.
For the MPs who encouraged their followers to assault the DC, what signals are they sending out to the public? That in politics, it is okay to be violent and intolerant when it suits you? What happened to the DC was a shameful act to both her person and the government since she is a presidential appointee. A worthy opponent would have been savory enough to extend a public apology.
What with the MP who addressed a rally with a pistol hanging on his waist, or the whereabouts? Again, he too was sending many wrong messages. Would it be wrong if we start thinking that he was intimidating the public to vote for the candidate of choice?
Most importantly however, it is the role played by authorities in Igunga that has led to the campaigns being marred by a little of violence and other unpleasant incidents. The National Electoral Commission (NEC) has been too lax in taking action. What would have happened if NEC had decided to call off the by-election until after all parties behave themselves?
One retired police commander also placed the blame on some officers. During campaigns, he noted, police officers should focus on maintaining public peace, safety and security and not harbor other interests that would hamper intelligence gathering. That way they would easily be able to avert incidents of violence before they happen.
The transgressions in Igunga only go to show that as a constituency, it is on the mind of all political players vying for the vacant seat. But is anyone thinking about the electorate, the people who should matter the most? I doubt that, but well, well. They are going to vote today all the same.
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