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Sumaye: Corruption network beat me

By Malela Kassim

8th October 2012

Denies plans to appeal, join Chadema

Former Prime Minister Frederick Sumaye addresses journalists in Dar es Salaam yesterday on his election defeat in the race for the Hanang District National Executive Committee seat. (Photo: Selemani Mpochi)

Former Prime Minister Frederick Sumaye yesterday hit out at what he termed massive corruption network within CCM for denying him the Hanang seat in the party’s National Executive Committee in the just- ended elections.

He however said that he will remain a faithful member of CCM and vowed to continue fighting corruption within the party.

Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam, Sumaye claimed the Hanang District NEC membership election was marred by massive corruption, threats, transferring of voters at night and many other evils.

Sumaye was defeated by the Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office (Investment and Empowerment), Dr Mary Nagu who won the NEC seat in Hanang District, Manyara Region.

Dr Nagu scooped 648 votes against Sumaye’s 481 votes.

Sumaye conceded defeat, pledging to give support to the newly elected NEC member.

“I haven’t appealed…I have no plans to criticise the election results or take the complaints to my party because what was happening is known and it was also reported in the media,” Sumaye said.

He said corrupt practices during the elections have become serious.Not only does the candidate bribe voters in order to be elected in specific areas, but there were also corruption networks where a person provides funds in different areas in the country so that those who will be elected will be his followers in case he needs them in future.

"In a democratic election voters choose representatives based on capability, but in a corrupted democracy, money chooses people’s representative. Voters are only for rubber stamping the person,'' he said.

However Sumaye stressed that he will remain a faithful member of CCM, refuting claims that he was currently holding talks with Chadema leaders with a view to joining the party.

"I’m not a member of CCM for the sake of being a NEC member. Losing the chance does not mean that I will no longer remain a member. I will continue to fight corruption within my party,” Sumaye stressed.

On rumours that he was among the people planning to seek nomination to run for the presidency in 2015, he would make public any such plans, once he makes such a decision.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN