Joseph Isangura
The ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has amassed over Sh3.488 billion within just five days, signaling a strong start to its preparations for the forthcoming 2025 Tanzanian General Election.
This significant fundraising milestone was achieved as more than 20,000 party members and supporters collected nomination forms to contest various leadership positions at both the local government and parliamentary levels. The exercise covered Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, the semi-autonomous archipelago.
According to Amos Makalla, CCM’s Secretary for Ideology, Publicity, and Training, a total of 5,475 aspirants picked nomination forms for parliamentary seats across constituencies on the Mainland and Zanzibar. With each parliamentary nomination form costing Sh500,000, this group contributed an estimated Sh2.74 billion.
In addition, over 15,000 candidates collected nomination forms for civic leadership seats, priced at Sh50,000 each. This segment contributed roughly Sh750 million, bringing the total funds raised during this critical period to more than Sh3.488 billion.
The amount collected is substantial, exceeding the monthly political party subsidies disbursed by the government to all qualified parties after the 2020 general elections. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa recently reported to Parliament that political parties had received Sh13.17 billion in subsidies over nine months ending in March 2025, averaging Sh1.463 billion per month.
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The impressive fundraising achievement underscores CCM’s extensive grassroots mobilization capabilities and the enthusiasm of its members to take part in Tanzania’s democratic processes. The collected fees will be instrumental in financing party campaigns, voter education, and outreach programs critical to electoral success.
The nomination process itself is a fundamental part of Tanzania’s political system, reflecting the internal democracy within the ruling party. It provides a platform for aspiring leaders to present their visions and connect with constituents ahead of the general election.
Political observers note that such a strong financial position allows CCM to plan and execute comprehensive campaigns across diverse regions, including urban and rural areas. Transparency about these fundraising activities is also essential to maintain public trust and reduce suspicions about party financing.
Why This Matters to Tanzania
- Grassroots Participation: The large number of nomination form pickers demonstrates widespread engagement in political processes.
- Campaign Readiness: The funds will support critical activities such as voter mobilization and public awareness campaigns.
- Financial Transparency: Clear reporting of party finances contributes to electoral integrity and public confidence.
- Democratic Stability: Well-organized parties with stable funding help maintain peace and order during election cycles.
