By the BBC's
Joseph Warungu

Once upon a time the town of Tanga in the north east of Tanzania was a hub of activity. Sisal farming flourished, the harbour was busy, industries were alive and the railway was in constant use. Good things did not stop there: the rate of employment was high and business was good in this town that is strategically placed close to Kenya's second largest city, Mombasa, and the island of Pemba in Zanzibar.

Today Tanga is but a ghost of its former self. Sisal farming and production have slowed down in the face of cheap synthetic imports, many industries have ground to a halt and workers laid off in their hundreds. A quick drive around the town reveals groups of idle, able-bodied young men hanging about in the streets. Poverty is not too far away as many of these young Tanzanians speak of having to make do with only one square meal a day.

This is the backdrop in which Sunday's elections will be taking place. And while the ruling CCM supporters are willing to give their party another chance to revive Tanga, the opposition read the situation differently – a good example of an administration that has failed its people and one that needs immediate replacement.

Yet Tanga has produced many prominent and well off Tanzanians in public life and business – why their skills and resources cannot be directed back home no one will say.

For now CCM is the punching bag. The opposition CUF-Chadema party and the Tanzania Labour party among others are out to give CCM a run for its money. And Tanga's close proximity to the exciting politics of Pemba and Zanzibar mean, it too will be a town to watch out for in this election.