CEW-IT Observers in Mwanza

Team of East African observers mainly from Uganda;Ikwe Benson,Angela Byangwa,Sam Rukiidi and Sanza John arrived at Star Max Hotel in Mwanza at 1.45 P.m 25^th October 2010 . The team was received cordially by the Hotel management and later on was joined by Eziekel Masanja Tanzania country election observation coordinator.

26^th October 2010

The team which had been joined by Salome Nduta from Kenya attended two events ;1)Mwanza Media reporters and CSOs representatives meeting from 9.00A.m to 1.30 P.m at G& G Hotel in Mwanza which was organized by MPI.

2) CCM Presidential flag bearer campaign rally Mr.Kikwete the incumbent president at Nyamagana Mwanza city.

In the meeting which was also attended by local observers ,Media reporters were argued to ensure that their code of conduct is seen to be observed as they execute their duties and obliged to the following;

• Ensure impartial, fair and balanced coverage of elections and give equitable access to all candidates and political parties because it is in the national and people's interest to do such.

• Promote unity ,peace and stability

• Commit themselves to be seen positively contributing to achieving free and fair elections by developing the capacity of their media institutions as opposed to sighting violence.

On the contrary Journalists reiterated that their professionalism has been compromised with. Thus Journalists have resorted to working for survival other than holding to professional ethics.

In conclusion Journalists were asked to up hold to the principles of preserving; self Integrity, Objectivity, Independence and profession due care in the execution of their duties.

CCM Presidential campaign rally conducted by the incumbent president his excellence Kikwete was held in the open space in Nyamagana.The rally had a large crowd full of excitement dressed in the party yellow and green attire;T-shirts caps,kangas and flags, chanting party slogan ;ushindi ni laziima(winning is a must).The president landed in a chopper at a play ground in the neighbour hood and picked by a fleet of six vehicles to the campaigning venue.

Two of the vehicles were green, a party colour.