CUF warns parties against encroaching on campaigns, calls for justice

Moshi. The Civic United Front (CUF) has cautioned other political parties against encroaching on its campaign activities, stressing it does not seek conflict with the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) or state authorities.

The warning was issued on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, by the party’s Campaign Manager for the presidential candidate, Mr Chifu Luta Yemba, at the main bus terminal grounds in Moshi town.

Mr Yemba said CUF had encountered vehicles playing campaign music of another political party upon entering the Kilimanjaro Region, an act he deemed unacceptable.

“No political party should engage in such acts. We have informed journalists and the public in Moshi that we have addressed this matter in meetings. This has happened twice in two days, and today it happened again. We do not want conflicts with any political party or state authorities, and we will not speak further on this matter,” he said.

He announced CUF will campaign in the Tanga Region from Friday, September 26, to Sunday, September 28, and warned against schedule violations.

“Our schedule is September 26–28 in Tanga. We have information that another party plans to campaign there. I urge all parties not to provoke one another. If they ignore this, we will respond in Tanga. State authorities and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should respect the schedule,” he said.

Mr Yemba stressed CUF enjoys strong support in Tanga. “CUF may seem small in Moshi, but in Tanga we command 95 percent support. If we hold a rally there, no one will stand against us. I will not tolerate schedule violations for any reason.”

He claimed other parties avoid following CUF due to the large crowds it draws, which he said provokes disruptions.

“We do not want that. It is time to remove CCM from power, whether they like it or not. Tanga will be decisive. We will not allow a candidate from any party there on October 28 because that date belongs to us.”

Electoral official responds

Moshi Urban District elections supervisor, Mr Sifael Kulanga, said the procedure was clear: when a presidential or vice-presidential candidate is campaigning in a constituency, no other party may campaign there that day. He added that no formal complaints had been received.

“The procedure is known. If there is a campaign by a presidential or vice-presidential candidate, no one is allowed to campaign that day. I have heard the leader speak, but have not received complaints. If such an incident occurs, they must bring complaints to the ethics committee for action,” said Mr Kulanga.

CUF presidential candidate urges peaceful change

Speaking as CUF’s presidential candidate, Mr Gombo Samandito Gombo cautioned against planned demonstrations on October 29, 2025, saying leadership change must be achieved through voting.

He urged citizens to turn out on October 29 to choose leaders and called on state authorities to act fairly and avoid bias.

“There are people promoting demonstrations on October 29. Tanzania has not reached the point of abandoning elections due to violence. Let us vote to remove CCM legally. Do not resort to violence and do not stop voting, because if you do, you have chosen someone you do not want,” he said.

“Choose the leader you want by voting. That is the only way to liberate ourselves. Leadership changes through the ballot. Let us vote for change.”

He urged state authorities to ensure fairness on Election Day. “Peace is the fruit of justice. Whether CCM wins fairly or CUF wins fairly, do not take sides. If you interfere, you harm fellow Tanzanians. We do not want to lose faith in our institutions,” he said.

Mr Gombo criticised arbitrary arrests, saying they undermine trust. “Police arrests have reached a stage where officers without uniforms detain people. They have guns but no uniforms. If asked for identification, they claim nobody should teach them how to work. If this is the law, I will change it so anyone making arrests must be identifiable.”

He stressed that fears of abduction and enforced disappearances must be addressed to protect freedom.