Magufuli ups the ante in Ikulu race

WHILE the coalition of four opposition parties (UKAWA) has been critical of recent surveys affirming the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi’s (CCM) victory, the latter’s presidential candidate, Dr John Magufuli told a campaign rally he is certain of victory by 95 per cent of the vote.
The recent surveys conducted by Twaweza and Synovate have indicated that the ruling CCM was the most popular party amongst the electorate by over 60 per cent. He said that the remaining days before the October 25 general election are enough for him and his team to add to the party’s popularity by over 90.
Addressing Nyarugusu residents, Dr Magufuli said that he is happy that poll surveys have placed CCM ahead of all political parties by scoring over 60 per cent, but insisted that he is sure of recording victory by a margin of 95 per cent win.
He noted that having known problems facing Tanzanians, he is optimistic that if elected the fifth president he would fully transform the country.
“The recent opinion polls have shown that we are ahead of all parties. I want to make sure that the percentage goes up to 95 per cent,” he told supporters, urging them to turn out by their numbers and vote for CCM candidates.
Dr Magufuli stressed changes for the better are only possible within the ruling party contrary to repeated rhetoric by the opposition that changes cannot be delivered by the same people who have been in power for many years.
He said that it is the same people who have been party members longer than himself and failed to do anything while in the party who are now claiming to be heaven sent after crossing over to the opposition.
He noted that though CCM leaders are not angels, he still believes that basing on the party’s election manifesto, positive changes were possible. The 56-year old politician said that assertions that the opposition could bring true changes should be critically evaluated before making any serious decision.
Dr Magufuli promised that under his administration, he was going to make sure that a hospital with improved health services is constructed in Nyarugusu which is within Busanda constituency.
In Ushirombo, the candidate promised that if elected, in collaboration with the area MP and councillors, he was going to transform Bukombe district by improving social services. He also pledged to construct 5km tarmac road in Ushirombo town.