Tanzania's new electoral body chairman pledges to be impartial

Tanzania's newly appointed chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), Justice Semistocles Kaijage, on Friday pledged to be impartial when dealing with political parties.

Justice Kaijage made the pledge shortly after he was sworn in by President John Magufuli at State House in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam.

He made the pledge against the backdrop of complaints by opposition parties during presidential and parliamentary elections that polls in the east African nation were rigged in favour of the ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).

"I will serve my new position as per oath and legal conduct providing fair treatment for all," said Justice Kaijage.

Justice Kaijage replaced Justice Damian Lubuva whose tenure in office ended on December 19.

A section of interviewed leaders of political parties spoke well about Justice Kaijage and expressed approval of his appointment.

Freeman Mbowe, Chairman of opposition Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), described Kaijage as an honest and impartial judge.

On Thursday, President Magufuli appointed Justice Kaijage as new NEC chairman who will chair the electoral body for five years beginning December 20, this year. President Magufuli also re-appointed retired Judge Hamid Mahmoud Hamid as Vice-Chairman of the NEC for the next five years.

Hamid has served as NEC Vice-Chairman for the past five years. Endit