CCM bags Buyungu Parliamentary Seat as Opposition cries foul

Kakonko. The parliamentary candidate for the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has been declared winner in the just concluded by-election in Buyungu Constituency.

Mr Christopher Chiza Kajoro bagged 24,578 votes to defeat Chadema’s Elia Fredrick Michael by a total of 7,668 votes.

The latter went home with 16,910 votes, according to official results from the National Electoral Commission (NEC).

Contestants from other political parties and the number of votes their garnered in brackets included: Makini (11), UMD (12), NRA (17), UPDP (18), DP (22), AFP (51) and ACT-Wazalando (100)

Announcing the results of the Sunday, 12 August by-election at dawn on Monday, August 13, 2018, the returning officer, Mr Lusubilo Mwakabibi said a total of 61,980 residents had registered to vote in Buyungu but 42,356 cast their votes.

Out of the votes, 41,841 were eligible ones.

“From these numbers, I now declare Mr Christopher Chiza Kajoro as the Member of Parliament (MP) elect for Buyungu,” he said. 

Buyungu Constituency fell vacant in May following the death of its MP, Mr Bilago Kasuku (Chadema).

Chiza says ready for the task

Mr Chiza, the former Minister for Agriculture, Food Security and Cooperatives, returns to Parliament after a short stint outside the legislative body.

Speaking shortly after being declared winner, Mr Chiza thanked voters for electing him, saying he was ready for the task.

“An MP is required to be one who knows the challenges facing his voters so that he can deliver them to people who have solutions to them (the challenges). I have what it takes to do that task diligently,” he said.

Chadema candidate cries foul

Speaking at around 3:50 AM before the returning officer had announced the official results, the Chadema candidate, Mr Elia Michael said the by-election left a lot to be desired.

He said the results, collected by his party’s agents, show that he had won.

“I have won though they may end up announcing who they want…I have people’s votes and that is the most important thing in politics,” he said.

He said it was unfortunate that at a time when they were still waiting for some forms, the returning officer invited them inside so he (the returning officer) can announce the results.

“The results being announced have been prepared by the director (the Kakonko District Executive Director) and other leaders,” said Mr Michael, noting however that he will not go to court since he was not given some of the vital forms that would support his case.