Africa-Press – Tanzania. THREE more presidential contenders and their running mates collected nomination forms at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Dodoma yesterday.
Chama cha Makini, the National League for Democracy (NLD) and the United Peoples’ Democratic Party (UPDP) aspirants officially received their nomination packages, bringing the total number of participating parties so far to six.
Three more are expected to collect their forms today. Chama cha Makini’s presidential candidate, Coaster Kibonde arrived at INEC in the morning alongside his running mate, Azza Haji Suleiman.
He pledged to prioritise youth empowerment through agricultural reforms, proposing that every Tanzanian aged 21 and above be allocated five acres of land as a strategy to tackle unemployment.
“We will shift from rainfed, traditional hand-hoe agriculture to modern irrigationbased farming. Youth are the backbone of this country. By giving them land, we empower them economically,” he said.
Kibonde also said the party will improve education and health services by among others, supporting young Tanzanians to study abroad as well as establishing a hospital in every ward and provide modern medical equipment.
After receiving his forms from INEC Chairman Justice Jacobs Mwambegele, NLD presidential aspirant Doyo Hassan Doyo said his candidacy is driven by the need to improve living standards, strengthen healthcare and eliminate youth unemployment.
“Some studies show that graduates take three to five years to secure employment. We must address this gap, not just reduce unemployment, but eliminate it,” said Doyo, who was accompanied by his running mate, Chausiku Khatibu Mohamed.
In a symbolic show of support for youth in the transport sector, Doyo arrived at the Commission’s offices in a three-wheeler motorcycle taxi.
He pledged to cut government vehicle expenses, proposing a cap of 35m/- on cabinet vehicles and auctioning off luxury cars. NLD also plans to invest in infrastructure, including dry ports.
Wrapping up the day’s schedule, UPDP presidential candidate Twalib Kadege and running mate Abdallah Mohamed Hamis arrived at INEC in a tricycle, underscoring their grassroots approach.
Kadege said land reform would be at the heart of UPDP’s development agenda.
“When land is used effectively, prosperity follows. If mismanaged, poverty persists. UPDP is ready to revolutionise the land sector so all citizens can benefit from the national cake,” he said.
He also expressed commitment to defending press freedom, promising to empower journalists to report freely, particularly on issues affecting rural communities.
According to INEC’s schedule, today’s candidates include aspirants from the African Democratic Alliance Party (ADA-TADEA), Union for Multiparty Democracy (UMD) and the Tanzania Labour Party (TLP).
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