Over 4,000 CCM members defect to Chadema

About 4,103 Chama Cha Mapinduzi members in Orkolili ward in Siha District, Kilimanjaro Region, have defected to the opposition Chama Cha Democrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema).


Speaking to 'The Guardian' at Orkolini village during a ceremony at which over 500 Chadema membership cards were issued to the newcomers from Donyomorwa, Orkolili, Embukony and Ormelili villages over the weekend, they claimed that what prompted them to defect from their former party was because CCM had failed to fulfill pledges it made more than a decade ago.


Despite being loyal to the ruling party and regular taxpayers, some of the interviewed villagers alleged that the ruling party had failed to provide them with basic necessities such as a hospital, water for domestic use and good roads, hence most of them were compelled to walk long distances to look for the facilities.
According to Zakayo Mollel and Ruth Gloriti, both of them former CCM members who had defected to Chadema, the outgoing local lawmaker had failed to accomplish his campaign pledges and voting him back into office would be tantamount to mainting the miserable situation for another five years.


“As you can see, our roads are in pathetic situation and our children are learning under very tough conditions. We don’t really see why we should support someone who goes to parliament for his own sake,” said Molel.


Handing out membership cards to the new members, Chadema regional secretary Bazil Lema commended the villagers for their move and promised to team up with them in bringing positive community development.
“Our aim is to strengthen the party from the grassroots so that we can have a strong party that will lead you to social-economic development that you have been waiting for for the last decade. We are ready to work with you towards the needed development,” he said.


SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN