Home News More in this Category! Tanzanians rejoice with Obama DEOGRATIAS MUSHI in Dodoma Daily News; Wednesday,November 05, 2008 @21:15 Also in the News Ngorongoro to build visitors' centre TCRA consumer council soothes GTV customers Serengeti tobacco farmers to get 1.6bn/- JK denounces military coups NIC restructuring takes off Prisons facility caters for children, says Kagasheki Private hospitals told to follow govt orders Loss of life solace by wild animals reaches 1m/- Govt pledges to boost TIB's capital Security guards urged to protect albinos The Parliament of Tanzania has issued a congratulatory declaration to the President-elect of the United States of America, Mr Barack Obama, after emerging triumphant in yesterday’s presidential election. The Bunge declaration read in the House yesterday by the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security, Mr Wilson Masilingi, hailed Mr Obama for becoming the first African-American to be elected president in the US. The declaration also praised Mr John McCain for conceding the defeat and for congratulating his opponent who will be sworn-in as the 44th president of the United States on January 20 next year. Mr Khalifa Suleiman Khalifa (Gando-CUF) said the opposition camp was exited by Obama’s election, sounding optimistic that the new leader could unite Americans as a nation, irrespective of their colour or race. He called upon local politicians to emulate America’s example in executing both human rights and democratic rights during elections. Echoing Mr Khalifa’s views, Ms Beatrice Shelukindo (Kilindi-CCM) said American politics were fast changing for the better, showing democratic maturity. She congratulated Obama’s wife Michele for perseverance and assistance to her husband during the campaigns. The Bariadi East legislator, Mr John Cheyo (UDP), said Tanzanians should learn from America’s style of free and fair elections. “We should insist on national unity above our political parties, religions and ethnicity,” he emphasized. The Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Samuel Sitta, has promised to follow proper government channels to send the congratulatory message to Washington DC. In Dar es Salaam, the city and its citizens shared in the American dream come true through Barack Obama, an Illinois senator who made history as first African-American to book a place of leadership of the world’s strongest democracy. But the cynics among us still remained unmoved, reports PIUS RUGONZIBWA. “This victory has nothing to do with my daily struggle to earn a decent living,” said Sudi Juma, who was quick to add: “We have to work even harder now … none of us knows what this man’s victory brings … or means for us.” Even then, he said he was happy for Obama – and the American people. Another city resident, Venant Kagombola, wasn’t as cynical, and hailed Obama’s victory as a landmark for everyone across the globe. “Historically, it has been nothing short of dream for a black American to win even a nomination from his own party … let alone a presidential seat,” he said, adding ruefully: “The Americans have taught us a big lesson in democracy … look at the way they conducted this election … and finally announcing the winner … the results were agreeable to all parties … this is something Tanzania must learn to do - concede defeat honourably,” Kagombola said. For Mashaka Shirima, it was the way President-elect Obama delivered his speech of acceptance that impressed him most. Soon after his election, Obama changed tack – from addressing his party and ventured into national matters. “That was a big lesson that our politicians who often resort to addressing their party interests instead of national issues,” he said. The only woman who spoke out could only thank God for ‘uplifting’ Obama to the White House, saying it was a victory that bespoke well of Africa – and another chance for America to show its true image to the rest of the world. “There is widespread belief that Americans always give aid and technical assistance to small countries like Tanzania with lots of strings attached … it’s time for Obama to prove the world wrong … God bless him,” said the woman who only identified herself as Mrs Sokoni. View Visitor's comments on this Story   COMMENTS ON THE STORY Name: VFT, vft Name: NKenya@aol.com Comment: YES! Name: Jennifer, Pena Name: jencpena@gmail.com Comment: I am so happy to see that other parts of the world are as excited about Obama as we are here. I live in New Mexico (the southern part of the U.S.) and voted for Obama yesterday. I was moved to tears when Obama won. I am hopeful that he will restore America's place in the international community as a kind nation and not a nation of warmongering. A great majority of Americans are ashamed of Bush and what he's done and we are so glad to see change happening!!! Name: Chris, Fox Name: web.chris.fox@gmail.com Comment: “There is widespread belief that Americans always give aid and technical assistance to small countries like Tanzania with lots of strings attached … it’s time for Obama to prove the world wrong … God bless him,” said the woman who only identified herself as Mrs Sokoni. Hmmm. Sounds like Tanzania is already begging for a handout, listen to her grovel... It sounds disgusting. "It's time for Obama to prove the world wrong." Wow. Could she sound any more pathetic? No, I think not... Fix your own economy, why look to America? You have shown weakness... Name: Marystella, (Rugundiza) Astor Name: star8002002@yahoo.com Comment: It is nice to read home news and how excited Tanzanians and the world were about the new presdent of USA, Keep up the good work you made it to the National news here in US. We are looking forward to our future. Asante sana. Name: ZUL, SULEMAN Name: zul2506@gmail.com Comment: Would an Asian 4th generation Tanzanian ,even whose grand parents were born in Tanzania be ever nominated for the President in Tanzania. NO! NO! NO ! hii siyo uzalendo - It is indeed racism. AMERICA is the only true Democratic country in the world. Name: Zumbu, Kuku Name: zumbu@yahoo.com Comment: Hawa wa Bunge wa CCM wanapongeza kitu gani? Wamesahau Mchakato wa Chimwaga walivyomtosa SAS eti ni Mwarabu? Mzigo mzito mpe Mnyamwezi.     Comment on the story Please Send us your comments or views on the story above First Name: Last name: Email: Country Comment: