Category Archives: politics

Venezuela: President Maduro vows unity with Colombia; President Petro renews call for Constituent Assembly

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This article from The Orinoco Tribune was written in Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, and published on October 23. Given the threat of an imminent U.S. military attack on Venezuela, Colombia, and other sovereign countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, Workers World is increasing its coverage from that region.

**Caracas:** Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro said on October 20 that he will always close ranks with Colombia, whose president, Gustavo Petro, was accused without evidence on October 19 by his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, of being a “leader of illegal drug trafficking.”

“At heart, we are Colombia, the profound Great Colombia founded on the Orinoco River by the Liberator Commander Simón Bolívar,” Maduro said during an activity with communal leaders.

“And Colombia knows that we are one, Siamese twins. Whatever happens with Colombia, happens with Venezuela. And whatever happens with Venezuela, happens with Colombia.”

“As a military officer of the Colombian military forces wrote to me two weeks ago: ‘If you touch Venezuela, you touch Colombia.’ We are one homeland of the heart. And we do not say this just for the sake of saying it.”
https://www.workers.org/2025/10/88668/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=venezuela-president-maduro-vows-unity-with-colombia-president-petro-renews-call-for-constituent-assembly

AP Decision Notes: What to expect for the Nov. 4 election in Pennsylvania

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CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PENNSYLVANIA (AP) — Control of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court hangs in the balance in statewide elections next week, when voters will cast ballots on judges for the state’s three highest courts.

Voters across the commonwealth will also participate in municipal elections, including high-profile races in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

### Pennsylvania Supreme Court Retention Elections

State Supreme Court Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht—all Democrats—will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot in a retention election. Voters will decide whether to award the sitting jurists new 10-year terms on the high court, although Donohue must retire in 2027 upon reaching Pennsylvania’s mandated retirement age of 75.

While retention elections are often quiet affairs in Pennsylvania, this year’s campaign has been heavily influenced by party politics. Democrats currently hold a 5-2 majority on the state Supreme Court, but Republicans have launched a campaign to oust Donohue, Dougherty, and Wecht.

If voters decide not to retain a justice for another term, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro could appoint a temporary replacement, subject to confirmation by the Republican-controlled state Senate. A deadlock in the confirmation process could result in a tied court at 2-2 if voters oust all three justices this year. Any vacant seats would be filled in an election for full 10-year terms held in 2027.

The last state Supreme Court retention election was in 2017. At that time, the Republican justice on the ballot was retained with 68% of the vote, while the Democratic justice was retained with 71% of the vote.

### Other Statewide Court Races

Voters will also decide races for other state courts, including the Superior Court and Commonwealth Court, which are the two statewide appellate courts just below the state Supreme Court.

### Pittsburgh Mayoral Race

In Pittsburgh, Democratic Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Connor and Republican Tony Moreno are running to replace outgoing Democratic incumbent Ed Gainey.

O’Connor, a former member of the Pittsburgh City Council and son of the late Mayor Bob O’Connor, defeated Gainey in the May primary. Moreno, a former police officer, was the 2021 Republican mayoral nominee who lost to Gainey in the general election.

### Philadelphia District Attorney Race

In Philadelphia, Democrat Larry Krasner seeks a third term as district attorney against former Philadelphia Municipal Court Judge Pat Dugan. Dugan stepped down midway through his third term in 2024 to challenge Krasner for the Democratic nomination. Krasner defeated Dugan in the May primary, but Dugan switched parties in August to run as a Republican in the general election.

### Voting Trends and Historical Context

Democrats have recently won general elections in both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia by wide margins. In the 2021 Pittsburgh mayoral race, Gainey defeated Moreno with about 71% of the vote. In Philadelphia, Krasner won re-election to a second term in 2021 with approximately 72% of the vote.

### Associated Press Election Coverage Policy

The Associated Press does not make projections and will declare winners only when it is clear there is no scenario for trailing candidates to close the gap.

If a race has not been called, the AP will continue covering any newsworthy developments, such as candidate concessions or declarations of victory. The AP will clearly state when no winner has been declared yet and explain the reasoning.

Pennsylvania requires an automatic recount for statewide races with a vote margin of 0.5 percentage points or less. For non-statewide races, voters may petition individual county election boards or courts for a recount.

The AP may declare a winner in a race eligible for a recount if the lead is too large for a recount or legal challenge to change the outcome.

### Election Day Details: November 4

**When do polls close?**
Polls close at 8 p.m. ET.

**What’s on the ballot?**
The AP will provide vote results and declare winners in retention elections for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Superior Court, and Commonwealth Court, as well as the general elections for Superior Court, Commonwealth Court, Pittsburgh mayor, Philadelphia district attorney, and Philadelphia controller.

**Who gets to vote?**
Any Pennsylvania-registered voter may participate in statewide general elections. Voters registered in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh may participate in their respective municipal general elections.

### Voter Registration and Turnout

As of October 6, Pennsylvania had about 3.8 million registered Democrats and 3.6 million registered Republicans.

– In Allegheny County (home to Pittsburgh), Democrats comprise nearly 55% of the 912,000 registered voters; Republicans about 29%.
– In Philadelphia, Democrats make up approximately 72% of the roughly 1.1 million registered voters; Republicans about 12%.

In the 2021 general election for Pittsburgh mayor, nearly 71,000 people voted—about 31% of registered voters—with mail ballots accounting for 35% of votes cast.

Approximately 230,000 people voted in the Philadelphia 2021 municipal general election, or about 22% of registered voters; 32% of the vote came from mail ballots.

About 3.1 million votes were cast in the 2023 state Supreme Court general election, roughly 36% of registered voters at the time, with mail ballots comprising about 26% of total votes.

As of the latest update, more than 524,000 of the 1.1 million absentee ballots requested statewide have been cast—62% from Democrats and 26% from Republicans.

In Pittsburgh, nearly 5,400 pre-Election Day votes had been cast as of October 10, with about 86% from Democrats and 9% from Republicans.

For the latest information, see the [AP Early Vote Tracker](#).

### Vote Counting Timeline

During the 2024 presidential election, the AP first reported Pennsylvania results at 8 p.m. ET from Allegheny County as polls closed, and at 8:08 p.m. ET from Philadelphia. By noon the next day, nearly 97% of the total statewide vote had been tabulated.

In Allegheny County, vote tabulation ended at 12:08 a.m. ET with approximately 97% of votes counted; in Philadelphia, at 1:56 a.m. ET with about 93% counted.

### Looking Ahead

As of November 4, there will be 364 days until the 2026 midterm elections and 1,099 days until the 2028 general election.

___

Associated Press writer Marc Levy in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, contributed to this report.

___

Follow the AP’s coverage of the 2025 election at [AP News](#).
https://mymotherlode.com/news/national/general-election/10111798/ap-decision-notes-what-to-expect-for-the-nov-4-election-in-pennsylvania.html

Run It Back? : Kamala Harris Strongly Hints At Running For President Again

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Kamala Harris Isn’t Done with Politics: Hints at Another Presidential Run

Kamala Harris isn’t ready to step away from the political stage. In a recent interview during her UK promo tour for her memoir *107 Days*, Harris hinted that she might have another shot at becoming President of the United States. Speaking with BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg, she said it’s “possible” she could be POTUS one day, expressing confidence that her grandnieces will see a woman sitting in the Oval Office “in their lifetime, for sure.”

Despite the challenges she’s faced, Harris gave the strongest indication yet that she wants to run again. She also addressed polls suggesting she isn’t the favorite to secure the Democratic nomination, pushing back against such claims.

Taking aim at former President Donald Trump, Harris called him a “tyrant” and didn’t miss the chance to deliver a pointed “I told you so.” She reminded viewers that everything she warned voters about Trump—and what a second term under his “leadership” would look like—has come true.

**Support Builds for Another Kamala Harris Run**

Harris’ recent comments have sparked reactions, with many already expressing support for the former Vice President to make another bid for the White House. One social media user wrote, “Let me clarify a point: Kamala Harris must and would be our nominee for the next election. She gained 75 MILLION votes in just 3 f*cking months. NOBODY did that before. Give her time to run a real campaign and we will win.”

If Harris does decide to run again, it could set up a rematch with the so-called Orange Menace, who is reportedly considering an unconstitutional third term. Lord help us all.

Check out some of the reactions, both for and against Harris running again, below.
https://hiphopwired.com/2885244/kamala-harris-possible-second-presidential-run-reactions/

Anti-Zionism is the New Face of Antisemitism

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I stood just a few feet from President Trump’s team as thunderous applause and standing ovations erupted again and again during his speech to the Knesset. It was a historic moment that resonated deeply with everyone present.

As Trump spoke, word spread that all the hostages had been released—a truly remarkable development.

From Jerusalem, the President then traveled directly to Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to meet with Muslim leaders and representatives from nations around the world. Astonishingly, they united behind his peace plan, signaling a new era of cooperation and hope.

There is no question—the war in Gaza is over.
https://www.realclearreligion.org/2025/10/27/anti-zionism_is_the_new_face_of_antisemitism_1143483.html

Trump has begun Asia trip with major trade deal and openness to meeting Kim Jong Un

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Trump then traveled to Japan on Monday to finalize a trade deal. Upon arriving, he shook hands with Emperor Naruhito. He is expected to meet with Japan’s newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, later on. Committing to a trade deal with the U.S. would be a monumental moment for the start of her term.

Takaichi, a staunch conservative and the first female prime minister of Japan, has drawn comparisons to the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was a close friend of Trump during his first term. Reminiscing about his friendship with Abe, the president wished Takaichi well in her new job.

“I hear phenomenal things,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One. “She was a great ally and friend of Shinzo Abe, who was my friend.”

“I know they were very close, and I think philosophically they were close, which is good,” he said. “That really helps Japan and the United States. I think she’s going to be great.”

Trump will depart on Wednesday for South Korea, the last planned stop of his three-nation tour. While there, he will discuss the possibility of finalizing a trade deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Their meeting, which comes one day before the start of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit, was previously expected to be scrapped after Trump threatened an additional 100% tariff by November 1 in response to China’s export controls on rare earth minerals.

Trump suggested he would skip the meeting, but once trade tensions eased, the meeting remained on schedule. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed on Sunday that the U.S. and China are expected to agree on a trade deal “framework” that will avoid the 100% tariff.

Trump said he is optimistic the U.S. will “come away with a deal” following his meeting with Xi. He also hopes to visit Beijing in the near future and suggested Xi could visit Washington, D.C., or his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida.

Regarding the possibility of meeting with Kim Jong Un, Trump remains open to the idea, partly because it would be easy to add to his schedule, given that South Korea is his last stop.

“I’d love to meet with him, if he’d like to meet,” he said. “I got along great with Kim Jong Un. I liked him, he liked me.” The two have met three times in person.

**TRUMP INKS TRADE DEALS ON ASIA TRIP, WITH US-CHINA AGREEMENT CLOSE AHEAD OF XI MEETING**

At the beginning of his diplomatic tour, Trump made a pit stop in the Middle East and brought the emir of Qatar and the country’s prime minister onto Air Force One. Trump said it was a “great honor” to host the Qatari leaders.

The appearance followed the signing of the peace deal between Israel and Hamas this month. Because Qatar played a mediating role in ending the conflict, Trump thanked the nation’s leaders.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/white-house/3864631/trump-begins-asia-trip-major-trade-deal-openness-meeting-kim-jong-un/

Argentina’s Milei Strengthens Political Power Amid LIBRA Scandal

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**Milei’s La Libertad Avanza Party Wins Big in Argentina’s 2025 Midterms Amid Ongoing LIBRA Crypto Scandal**

Argentine President Javier Milei’s party, La Libertad Avanza (LLA), secured a significant victory in the 2025 midterm legislative elections, capturing nearly 41% of the national vote. This impressive win bolsters Milei’s influence in Congress and strengthens his position to advance his reform agenda. However, the triumph comes amid an escalating LIBRA cryptocurrency scandal that continues to erode public trust and intensify legal scrutiny surrounding Milei and his associates.

—

### Victory in the 2025 Midterms

La Libertad Avanza emerged as a dominant political force in Argentina’s 2025 midterm elections, making notable gains in key districts such as Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Córdoba, and Santa Fe. With approximately 41% of the vote, LLA surpassed the Peronist alliance, which garnered 31.6%.

Following the elections, LLA now holds 101 out of 257 seats in the Chamber of Deputies, a substantial increase that enhances Milei’s legislative leverage. This expanded control is expected to facilitate the passage of Milei’s ambitious reforms in tax policy, labor laws, and pensions.

Reflecting on the victory, Milei stated, “During the first two years, we avoided falling off the cliff. In the next two years, we will continue the reformist path to make Argentina great again.”

—

### LIBRA Crypto Scandal Continues to Unfold

Despite his electoral success, Milei’s association with the LIBRA cryptocurrency project has sparked ongoing controversy. The scandal began when Milei publicly endorsed LIBRA, a meme coin that saw a rapid rise in market capitalization.

However, the coin’s value crashed after insiders sold off their holdings, causing significant losses for investors. Although Milei has since distanced himself from LIBRA and denied direct involvement in its operations, the fallout severely impacted his public approval.

A recent Zuban Córdoba survey indicates only 36% of Argentinians still support Milei, while 57.6% express distrust in his leadership. This sharp decline in confidence has led to both criminal and congressional investigations targeting Milei and his advisers.

—

### Legal Scrutiny Intensifies

Legal repercussions surrounding the LIBRA scandal have intensified in recent months. In October, an Argentine prosecutor ordered forensic examinations of the phones belonging to President Milei and his close aides as part of an ongoing inquiry into their possible roles in the cryptocurrency project.

Additionally, U.S. legal sources suggest that Milei, along with his brother Karina Milei and promoter Hayden Mark Davis, likely control assets linked to LIBRA. This development has increased pressure on the president’s inner circle, with calls mounting for the detention of two aides implicated in the launch of the token.

—

### Struggling to Maintain Credibility

While the 2025 midterm election results increased Milei’s political power, the LIBRA scandal poses a serious threat to his credibility. Accusations of insider trading and market manipulation continue to dominate media coverage, contributing to waning public trust.

Milei faces a delicate balancing act: managing the fallout from the LIBRA scandal while delivering on the reforms that secured his electoral success. Despite these challenges, he remains committed to pushing forward with his policy agenda.

—

### Looking Ahead

The coming months will be critical for Milei’s administration as it grapples with legal investigations and public skepticism. Restoring trust may prove essential not only for maintaining political momentum but also in shaping the trajectory of his government ahead of Argentina’s 2027 presidential election.

**Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.**
https://coincentral.com/argentinas-milei-strengthens-political-power-amid-libra-scandal/

Beef over Texas beef (Oct. 27, 2025)

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On Monday’s show, we’ll discuss the Trump administration’s plan to quadruple Argentine beef imports. This proposal has drawn sharp criticism from U.S. cattle producers as well as Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller.

Commissioner Miller isn’t just raising concerns—he also has an alternative plan to address the issue.

In addition, we’ll explore some of the opportunities and challenges facing Houston’s East End neighborhood, highlighting the community’s growth and ongoing developments.

Stay tuned for an in-depth conversation on these important topics.
https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/houston-matters/2025/10/27/534184/beef-over-texas-beef-oct-27-2025/?utm_source=rss-houston-matters-article&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link

Trump says he expects to reach trade deal with China on his Asia trip

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President Trump is scheduled to arrive soon in Japan, where new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is banking on building a friendly personal relationship with the U.S. leader to ease trade tensions. The meeting is an early diplomatic test for Takaichi, the first woman to lead Japan. She took office only last week and has a tenuous coalition backing her.

Mr. Trump spent Sunday in Malaysia, where he participated in a regional summit of Southeast Asian nations and reached preliminary trade agreements with Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. While en route to Japan, he returned to the press cabin on Air Force One along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

Mr. Trump said he would talk about the “great friendship” between the U.S. and Japan during his visit. “I hear phenomenal things” about Takaichi, he said, noting her closeness with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, with whom Mr. Trump had a good relationship during his first term. “It’s going to be very good,” he added. “That really helps Japan and the United States.”

Mr. Trump also expressed optimism about reaching a trade agreement with China. Officials from the world’s two largest economies said Sunday that they had reached an initial consensus for Mr. Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping to try to finalize during a high-stakes meeting later in the week.

“I have a lot of respect for President Xi,” Mr. Trump told reporters on Air Force One. “I think we’re going to come away with a deal,” he said. He added that he might sign a final deal on TikTok on Thursday. Treasury Secretary Bessent said on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” that a TikTok deal announced last month is set to be finalized on Thursday during the Trump-Xi meeting.

After Japan, Trump’s Asian tour will conclude in South Korea, where he is expected to meet with Xi on the sidelines of the Pacific Rim summit, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

On other matters, Mr. Trump rejected the possibility of running for vice president as a way to get back to the presidency, saying, “I’d be allowed to do it” but wouldn’t because “it’s too cute.” Steve Bannon, a Trump ally, has repeatedly said the president could serve a third term despite a constitutional prohibition. Mr. Trump himself has flirted with the idea but said on Air Force One, “I haven’t really thought about it.”

He praised Rubio and Vance as potential future Republican candidates. “I’m not sure if anybody would run against those two. I think if they ever formed a group, it would be unstoppable,” Mr. Trump said.

Mr. Trump also said he would be willing to extend his trip if there was a chance to talk to reclusive North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Since South Korea is the president’s last stop before returning to the U.S., “it’s pretty easy to do,” he noted.

Mr. Trump’s overtures to reconnect with Kim have gone unanswered. “If he wants to meet, I’ll be in South Korea,” Trump said.

There are many security issues in the region, including access to the South China Sea and the future of Taiwan. However, Mr. Trump’s focus has undoubtedly been on trade and his desire to realign the international economy under his vision of “America first.” For the most part, that means tariffs, or at least the threat of them.

Mr. Trump has frequently used taxes on imports from allies and adversaries alike in an effort to boost domestic manufacturing or seek more favorable terms. However, his unilateral power to enact tariffs remains contested. The president is awaiting a Supreme Court decision in a case that could solidify or limit his authority.

The president is flying to Tokyo from Kuala Lumpur, where he attended the annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He participated in a ceremonial signing of an expanded ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, which fought earlier this year. Trump helped pressure both countries to stop their conflict by threatening to withhold trade agreements.

The ASEAN summit wasn’t a guaranteed part of any president’s itinerary but served as an opportunity for Mr. Trump to reengage with a critical region for the first time since returning to office.

While on his way to Japan, Mr. Trump posted on Truth Social that Argentine President Javier Milei was “doing a wonderful job” as his party beat expectations in midterm elections. “Our confidence in him was justified by the People of Argentina,” Mr. Trump wrote.

Trump ally Milei essentially received a vote of confidence to pursue his policies aimed at breaking long-standing inflation and economic problems in Argentina. A libertarian seeking to unlock free-market forces, Milei has endeared himself to Mr. Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement with an appearance this year at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in the U.S.

The Trump administration provided a $20 billion credit swap line to bolster Milei ahead of the election and was looking to provide an additional $20 billion to support the value of Argentina’s peso.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-says-he-expects-to-reach-trade-deal-with-china-as-his-asia-trip-continues/

As New Yorkers Flood Early Voting Sites, Undecideds Become Prized Target

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Zohran Mamdani, the front-runner for mayor of New York City, has built his lead in part by relying on a huge ground-game operation.

His campaign’s extensive on-the-ground efforts have played a crucial role in connecting with voters and boosting his visibility across the city.

By mobilizing a large team of volunteers and canvassers, Mamdani has been able to effectively engage with constituents, ensuring his message resonates in diverse neighborhoods.

This grassroots strategy has helped solidify his position as a leading candidate in the mayoral race.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/27/nyregion/early-voting-mayors-race-mamdani-cuomo-sliwa.html

Tanzania goes to vote in elections set to keep the same party in power for 7 decades

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**Tanzania’s Ruling Party Set to Extend 64-Year Rule Amid Concerns Over Election Fairness**

*NAIROBI, Kenya (AP)* — Tanzania’s governing party, Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has been in power for 64 years, largely unchallenged by serious opposition. This long-standing dominance looks set to continue as Tanzanians prepare to vote on Wednesday in a general election widely expected to be won by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Hassan, a former vice president, assumed the presidency in 2021 following the death of her predecessor. She is Tanzania’s sixth president and the country’s first female leader. Despite Tanzania being a multiparty democracy, CCM has maintained control since independence from Britain in 1961.

With a population of 68 million and an annual per capita income of roughly $1,200, Tanzania stands out in a region where liberation parties are losing ground and vibrant opposition groups, often led by young people, are pushing for political change.

However, authorities have cracked down on opposition leaders, civil society organizations, journalists, and others in what Amnesty International describes as a “climate of fear” ahead of the elections. These polls will decide the country’s next president, lawmakers, and various local leaders.

**A History of Limited Opposition**

Under former President John Pombe Magufuli, an authoritarian figure who restricted opposition campaigning outside election periods, repression was intense. While early expectations suggested President Hassan might adopt a more open style, many voters have grown disillusioned with the increased authoritarianism during her tenure.

Opposition parties allowed to contest this election have run minimal campaigns, with some candidates even seeming to endorse Hassan’s bid for re-election.

**Opposition Leaders Silenced**

Voters will select from Hassan and 16 other candidates. Yet two of her main rivals—Tundu Lissu of Chadema and Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo—have been barred from contesting the presidency.

Lissu, a prominent opposition figure known for his charisma, spent years in European exile after surviving an assassination attempt in 2017. He is currently imprisoned on treason charges widely seen as politically motivated. Recently, police also arrested John Heche, deputy leader of Chadema, while he was attending Lissu’s treason trial.

**Campaign Promises and CCM’s Position**

With her major opponents sidelined, Hassan has been touring the country, campaigning on promises of stability and prosperity, especially for those working in agriculture. Her slogan—“work and dignity”—emphasizes moving Tanzania forward.

CCM, which maintains ties with China’s Communist Party, enjoys loyal support in parts of the country. However, the party’s share of the popular vote has been declining amid growing calls for change from opposition groups.

Nicodemus Minde, a Tanzanian researcher with the Institute for Security Studies in South Africa, describes CCM as heading to the polls “virtually unchallenged.” He notes voter turnout has been dropping since 2010 and predicts low participation, partly because a CCM victory is seen as a foregone conclusion.

“Voter apathy could be high due to the impact of the disqualification of the two main opposition parties,” Minde said. He warned that this election “presents a significant risk of strengthening authoritarian practices rather than advancing democratic governance.”

**Tensions and Threats of Unrest**

The opposition has called for protests on election day. Chadema insists that free and fair elections are impossible without essential reforms.

Many voters interviewed by The Associated Press expressed concern about potential threats to peace, especially after authorities warned they would not tolerate disruptions stemming from demonstrations. There are widespread fears regarding repressive tactics, including arbitrary arrests and abductions by unknown individuals.

Some also worry the government may shut down internet access ahead of voting.

“Peace must prevail for the election to run smoothly,” said Joshua Gerald, a resident of Dar es Salaam who requested anonymity for safety reasons. “Without peace, there can be chaos or fear, and people may fail to exercise their democratic rights.”

Noel Johnson, another young voter from the city, emphasized the need to safeguard constitutional rights. “The government needs to protect our constitutional rights, especially the right to demonstrate because we are not satisfied with the ongoing electoral processes,” he said.

President Hassan has urged voters to turn out in large numbers and assured that peace will be maintained. Yet concerns over possible unrest persist.

Richard Mbunda, a political scientist at the University of Dar es Salaam, warned that public dissatisfaction could push Tanzania toward instability.

“There are clear signs of unrest,” Mbunda said. He cautioned that even seemingly stable countries risk turmoil if authorities remain indifferent.

“The tone of reconciliation spoken about during campaigns should be genuine,” he added. “Dialogue is needed. The election is legally valid but lacks political legitimacy.”

—

Muhumuza reported from Kampala, Uganda. Associated Press writers in Dodoma and Dar es Salaam contributed to this report.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/tanzania-goes-vote-elections-set-045907785.html