Joseph Isangura
More than 20,000 members of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) have picked up nomination forms in a spirited internal race ahead of Tanzania’s 2025 General Election, signalling widespread enthusiasm and grassroots involvement within the ruling party.
The surge of interest spans across Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar, where aspiring candidates hope to secure positions in local government councils, the Parliament of Tanzania, and the Zanzibar House of Representatives.
Addressing journalists at the party’s Lumumba sub-office in Dar es Salaam, CCM’s Secretary for Ideology, Publicity and Training, Amos Makalla, said the nomination process reflects the party’s strength, openness, and commitment to internal democracy.
He confirmed that President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who also serves as CCM’s National Chairperson, has instructed all screening and nomination committees to carry out their responsibilities with “justice, neutrality, and discipline.”
“The Chairperson, speaking on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC), has made it clear—no favoritism, no shortcuts,” Makalla stated. “Our process must reflect the values of integrity and accountability that define CCM.”
The large number of contenders paints a vivid picture of political vibrancy within CCM, one of Africa’s oldest and longest-ruling political parties. Since its founding in 1977, CCM has played a central role in shaping Tanzania’s post-independence identity, and continues to dominate the political landscape.
This year’s nomination rush reflects a strong sense of civic engagement. Youth groups, women’s wings, long-time party stalwarts, and even first-time aspirants are all making bids—offering a diverse field of candidates from nearly all 31 regions of the country.
The nomination forms cover aspirants eyeing positions as ward councillors, Members of Parliament (MPs), and House of Representatives members in Zanzibar. The application process requires candidates to demonstrate party loyalty, leadership experience, and community service credentials.s
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President Samia’s instruction to the screening panels is seen as part of her broader reform agenda. Since ascending to the presidency in March 2021, she has promoted transparency in governance, the strengthening of institutions, and gender-inclusive leadership.
Her remarks come at a critical time when both internal and national elections are drawing close, and the party is keen to avoid disputes or perceptions of unfairness in its nomination process.
Political analysts have observed that under her leadership, CCM has become more responsive to public opinion and increasingly supportive of youth participation and women in politics, in line with the global push for inclusive governance.
The internal vetting process will be managed by committees at various levels—district, regional, and national. These bodies are tasked with reviewing applicants based on party constitution, ethical records, and suitability for public office.
Once shortlisted, candidates will be presented to higher party organs for final approval. Successful nominees will then campaign for voter support ahead of the 2025 general elections, under the CCM flag.
The party’s internal polls serve as a foundation for the national ballot, and how they are handled will greatly influence the credibility of the larger electoral process.
