Ludewa constituency in Iringa Region had a poor turnout of registered voters in the just ended general election, it has been observed.

Although there were a total of 60,976 eligible voters, only half of the electorate participated in the voting exercise.

Ludewa returning officer Hilda Lauwo said that only 32,097 people out of the 60,976 voted for their desired presidential and civic candidates.

She said presidential election results which involved seven candidates were as follows: Kuga Peter Mziray (APPT Maendeleo) got 468 votes, Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete (CCM) scooped 24,523, Dr Wilbroad Peter Slaa (Chadema) 6,378 and Prof Ibrahimu Haruna Lipumba (CUF) 177 votes.

Others are Hashimu Rungwe of NCCR-Mageuzi (60), Mutamwega Mgahywa of TLP (49) and Fahmi Dovutwa of UPDP (37) votes.

She explained that CCM scooped 10 civic seats, while one seat was taken by TLP. She noted that there were 202 polling stations in the constituency.

CCM excelled in the following wards: Lifuma, Milo, Manda, Mlangali, Madilu, Ludewa Urban, Lugarawa, Ruhuhu, Ludende and Kilonda. TLP emerged the winner in Lupingu ward.

“Ludewa residents didn’t hold parliamentary election since its only parliamentary candidate, Deo Filikunjombe (CCM), was unopposed,” she said.

Lauwo said the low turnout of registered voters was aggravated by lack of civic education. She said political parties should sensitise their members on the importance of voting to increase the number of voters in the 2015 general election.