Maintain vigilance,Kikwete counsels
 
2005-05-22 08:31:28
By Mwondoshah Mfanga

	The CCM Union presidential candidate, Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete.

The ruling party (CCM) parents wing has been told not to be complacent with the relative strength the party enjoys over the opposition in the course of its preparation for the October general elections.

Speaking during an introductory meeting organized by the Tanzania Parents Association (Wazazi) yesterday, the CCM Union presidential candidate, Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, said it would be ill-timed for the ruling party’s parents’ wing to content itself that the opposition was weak and therefore do nothing in preparation.

Even if the opposition appears weak, there is no point for you to be complacent, he urged.

Two tasks are before you, he said, elaborating, “To build unity and solidarity and strategizing as we move closer to the election campaigns in August.

He added, short of this, victory will not be guaranteed, and proceeded to chip in a military explanation: When an enemy brings in a platoon you are supposed to counter-balance him with a company.

And when he brings in a company you are supposed to check him with a battalion.

Kikwete said with a membership of more than 800,000 throughout the country, the wing could give CCM about 3 million votes if each of its branch succeeds to mobilise four votes.

Congratulating Wazazi for upping the standards of education in its schools, he said it was their task to ensure that the country produced competent products capable of being marketed globally.

Citing the example of Monduli Military Academy, he said highly respectable nations like South Africa were among those, which have brought in their military personnel for training in the institute.

He said the main difference between developed and developing countries lay in their varied levels of education.

Wazazi on their part, assured Kikwete of their support saying they would campaign for him to victory.

Its chairman, Abihud Maregesa, said the parents’ wing recognised no other camp in the ruling party but the party itself.Maregesa ,who was at some point cracking jokes in his speech, likened the CCM Union presidential candidate to a king.

When a king arrives at a big place, it usually rains. And right now it is raining. This is a clear indication that you are a king,' he said.

• SOURCE: Sunday Observer