Let’s debate in CCM: Nyalandu

Tourism Minister Lazaro Nyalandu speaks with Mwananchi Comm Ltd (MCL) editors during his tour at its Tabata offices in Dar es Salaam yesterday. Rights is MCL boss Francis Nanai. 

By Frank Kimboy

Dar es Salaam. Natural Resources and Tourism minister Lazaro Nyalandu yesterday called for a wider intra-party debate on succession politics within the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).

Mr Nyalandu said such consultations will help the party settle for a suitable and unifying candidate to lead CCM to victory in the October General Election.

According to the minister, intra-party discussions on the qualities of the leader to succeed President Jakaya Kikwete would help stem harmful competition among presidential hopefuls and keep the party united throughout the campaigns.

“The debate should be about how we can revive Tanzania’s economy, how we address the unemployment problem, how we improve education quality and security, how the country’s resources should benefit all Tanzanians,” said Mr Nyalandu.

Mr Nyalandu, who has already declared his intention to vie for the party’s ticket for the presidential race, also admitted that there will be strong competition not only within the ruling party but also from a more powerful opposition. He was speaking during a visit to Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL) headquarters in Tabata.

According to him, CCM should choose a visionary, patriotic and a respected candidate to bear the party’s flag for the top office. He said its flag bearer in the October presidential poll should be a team player.

The minister said the age factor shouldn’t be one of the qualifications for selection as the ruling party’s candidate for the presidency. According to him, competence and wisdom should be among the major credentials for suitability for candidature.

“There is nothing like it is youth’s time because every time is every one’s time; everyone who qualifies to vie for the presidency should have an equal chance regardless of his or her age,” said Mr Nyalandu.

Mr Nyalandu added that he will support anyone who the ruling party will choose as its flag bearer. “If I won’t be picked to represent the party for presidency, I will support whoever will be picked because at the end we will all be singers in the CCM choir,” said Mr Nyalandu.

He also spoke about the recent media report which quoted CCM Secretary General Abdulrahman Kinana criticizing him allegedly for just wandering about and failing to address wananchi’s challenges.

“I just read it in the newspapers but the truth will always be that it is my ministry that contributes the most to our country’s foreign earning. Our contribution now stands at $1.7 billion per year,” he said.