NINE presidential candidates from various political parties have collected nomination forms from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), officials said yesterday.

A commission statement said yesterday that three presidential candidates turned up at INEC offices to pick the forms, namely Georges Busungu of the African Democratic Alliance Party (ADA - TADEA) who introduced a manifesto centred on a “yellow revolution.”

The platform targets technological innovation and economic transformation driven by artificial intelligence, he stated, followed by Mwajuma Noty Mirambo of the Union for Multiparty Democracy (UMD).

The party has raised a platform focused on regional economic empowerment through decentralizing development projects, the candidate affirmed, while a while later, Yustus Rwamugira of the Tanzania Labour Party (TLP) along with his running mate Amana Suleiman Mzee turned up as well.

They promised to strengthen national security, governance and youth employment, with an emphasis on vocational education. “Our aim is to build a strong economy that among others help provide opportunities for youth employment through vocational education,” the candidate declared.

In what is seen as an important step in preparations for the October 29 polls, the turnout for the forms is appreciable, with party chairperson Samia Suluhu Hassan picking forms for the ruling party, CCM, accompanied by Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, the secretary general and running mate 

Kunje Ngombale-Mwiru of the Alliance for African Federation Party (AAFP) also took the forms, while. Hassan Almas of the National Reconstruction Alliance (NRA) was in a campaign mood as he collected the forms.

Costa Kibonde of Demokrasia Makini Party highlighted focus on education, healthcare and agriculture as he picked up his nomination papers, while Doyo Hassan Doyo from the National League for Democracy (NLD) pledged reforms to reduce unnecessary expenses, improve public services, boost infrastructure and employment.

Twalibu Kadege of the United Progressive Democratic Party (UPDP) emphasized land rights, health issues and media freedom as key points in his campaign as he picked nomination forms.

Picking up nomination forms started on Saturday (August 11) and is slated to end Monday August 27 at close of business.

The nine candidates represent a diverse political spectrum from 18 parties cleared by INEC to participate in the polls, with the political environment being charged as parties finalize their nomination processes ahead of the official campaign period. Voters can expect more activity and candidate presentations in the coming weeks, observers noted.