Magufuli relaxes political rally ban, warns Chadema
What you need to know:
President Magufuli declared that the government would not allow the main opposition Chadema to hold what the party has described as “Defiance Day” on September 1, warning that those who would dare venture out would be dealt with thoroughly.
Singida. President John Magufuli on Friday relaxed a ban on opposition parties’ activities, announcing that elected leaders would be allowed to conduct political meetings in their respective constituencies.
At the same time, President Magufuli declared that the government would not allow the main opposition Chadema to hold what the party has declared “Defiance Day” on September 1, warning that those who would dare venture out would be dealt with thoroughly.
The President spoke out on the two controversial issues during a public rally in Manyoni District, in Singida. It was his first public meeting as he embarked on a four day tour of Singida, Tabora, Geita and Shinyanga regions.
Early in the week, an extra-ordinary meeting of Chadema’s top decision making organ met in Dar es Salaam and announced that its members and supporters would hold picketing rallies on September 1, to protest an apparent ban on political activities by the government since President Magufuli ascended to the presidency, succeeding Mr Jakaya Kikwete.
Party’s national chairman Freeman Mbowe said the September 1 rallies would consist of peaceful processions to show displeasure with President Magufuli whom they accused of undermining democracy through a ban on opposition activities throughout the country. They said they wanted to condemn an emerging trend which they equated to dictatorship by the Executive.
