Tanzanian Cabinet Minister’s apology for poll rigging remarks fails to quell criticism, debate

Dar es Salaam. The Minister of Information, Communication, and Information Technology, Mr Nape Nnauye, has apologised for saying that it was not necessary for the ruling party, CCM, to win votes through ballot boxes, but his remarks have continued to attract criticism and debate.

In a recorded video clip released on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, Mr Nnauye is depicted expressing profound regret to those offended by his remarks.

"I have seen the online debate, but as I mentioned, the remarks were meant as a joke. Unfortunately, it has sparked a lengthy discussion, especially as we approach elections,” he states.

"I sympathise with those who have been unsettled by this debate. I apologise and emphasise that it was not intended to be taken seriously," adds Mr Nnauye.

However, analysts, activists, and academics were quick to pounce on Mr Nnauye's apology, calling for his immediate resignation or dismissal by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

 That fateful day

On the night of July 15, 2024, the former CCM’s ideology and publicity secretary made remarks that he would come to regret due to the controversy and debate it ignited both inside and outside the country.

Speaking at the Kashai Market in Bukoba Municipality, Kagera Region, during a visit there, the minister, who also serves as the lawmaker for Mtama Constituency, said there were other ways that could be employed to ensure its victory.

His remarks were aimed at reassuring Bukoba Urban MP, Stephen Byabato, of victory in the forthcoming 2025 general election.

Mr Nnauye said; “You know, listen, the election results do not necessarily have to come from the ballot box. It depends on who counts them and announces them.

There are many methods—some legitimate, some semi-legitimate, and some illegal—and all of them can be used as long as, when you finish, you say to God, Forgive me for my mistakes."

CCM’s secretary of Ideology, Publicity and Training, Mr Amos Makalla, promptly rebuffed Mr Nnauye’s remarks, saying they did not reflect the party's position.

"I have heard a leader say online that election victory does not come from votes in the ballot box. I want to say that this statement should not be considered as coming from CCM," said Mr Makalla.

This is not the first time Mr Nnauye has made controversial remarks that stirred debate during the election period.

In June 2015, while on a trip to Sengerema, he said something to the effect that CCM would win the election that year even by ‘goli la mkono’ (hand strike).

Reactions

Yesterday, Chadema Secretary General John Mnyika said, despite distancing himself from the statement, Mr Nnauye’s statement reflects the reality within the ruling CCM and the government’s plan.

“President Samia Suluhu Hassan should first revoke his appointment as a minister. It also translates to why she hasn’t endorsed the new constitution writing process and legal changes to facilitate free, fair, and credible elections,” he said, noting that it was the reason why the government rejected local polls to be overseen by an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The CUF director of Protocol, Communications, and Foreign Affairs, Mr Mohamed Ngulangwa, said in 2015 Mr Nnauye made similar undemocratic remarks.

“But this time his remarks come at a time when President Samia is struggling to unify the country,” he noted.

The former Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) executive director, Dr Hellen Kijo-Bisimba, said his statement implies that votes cast by citizens were meaningless.

“I’m aware that the statement has been refuted. If President Hassan cannot act, there is no reason to continue with elections because it will be a waste of time,” she said.

The Tanzania Constitution Forum (TCF) executive director, Mr Bob Wangwe, said the statement demonstrates that the country was led by unethical leaders who lacked fear of God.

"It also shows how Tanzanians are tolerant because the statement is enough for him to resign from the public office,” he said, advising Mr Nnauye to take responsibility and accountability for his statement through voluntary resignation.

The University of Dodoma (UDSM) political science lecturer, Dr Paul Loisulie, said this shows how people in power are arrogant. “Probably, they believe that they will be spared consequences because of the position they hold.”

An independent political analyst, Mr Buberwa Kaiza, said the statement was a reflection of the existing reality within CCM.