Collins Tanga, the newly elected chairman of the NRM Youth League and son to Dr Tanga Odoi, the party’s electoral commission chief, has refuted allegations that he rigged his way to victory.
Tanga secured 1,567 votes to defeat his closest rival, Brenda Kiconco, who garnered 1,355 votes, with a margin of 212 votes. The election, overseen by the NRM electoral Commission, saw James Kinobe take charge of counting the votes, ensuring a transparent process.
Kiconco said Tanga’s victory was marred by irregularities. But Tanga emphasized that his father, Dr Odoi, had no role in the election process beyond formally declaring the winner after the results were compiled.
“I stand by my words: my father did not influence my victory,” Tanga stated. He applauded the fairness of the election, noting that four other candidates stood down for Kiconco, yet he emerged winner.
“I applaud my fellow youth across the country who supported me,” Tanga said. “My victory, despite the competition, shows I was the youth’s favorite.” He called on his opponents, including Kiconco, to put aside differences and work together to advance youth issues and mobilize support for the NRM party chairman as the presidential flagbearer.
Kiconco has petitioned the NRM party chairman, challenging Tanga’s victory and calling for the election to be nullified. The petition has sparked debate within the party, with Tanga urging unity to focus on the broader goals of the NRM youth wing.
