From Tanzania-
Anglican Church of Tanzania Archbishop Valentino Mokiwa yesterday came under fire for encouraging the people to take the money offered by corrupt politicians, but refuse to vote them in the October 31 General Election.
The critics of the top church leader said in separate interviews in Dar es Salaam that the statement by the Most Rev Mokiwa last Sunday, was unfortunate, as if followed, it would defeat the whole purpose of the campaign against corruption, which clergymen should strongly support.
The Registrar of Political Parties, Mr John Tendwa, rejected the cleric’s advice, saying it amounted to legalising corruption. He denounced those expressing similar sentiments, accusing them of being “agents of corruption”.
Mr Tendwa was responding to a question from journalists in Dar es Salaam after he officiated at a one-day seminar for journalists organised by his office to discuss the Election Expenses Act.
CCM publicity secretary John Chiligati said the statement by Archbishop Mokiwa was uncalled, since corruption is a criminal offence under the Election Expenses Act.
“The archbishop is wrong on this one. We all know that giving people money during election campaigns is corruption and, therefore, a criminal offence. We want voters to elect leaders not through the influence of money but due to the good policies of their parties,” Mr Chiligati added.
He said the law must be effectively enforced “if we are to strengthen our democratic process”.
On Sunday, speaking at the launch of a health insurance programme for low-income earners in Dar es Salaam, Archbishop Mokiwa said it “is not sinful to receive money from foolish and corrupt politicians, who are hell-bent on winning elections by manipulating voters”. However, he urged those who receive such cash not vote for the corrupt politicians.
More here-
http://thecitizen.co.tz/component/content/article/37-tanzania-top-news-story/4567-bishops-eat-their-money-challenge-triggers-uproar.html
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