Joseph Isangura
The ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party has announced it will hold fresh primary elections for the Kongwa parliamentary seat on Sunday, August 17, 2025.
This comes after the passing of former Speaker of the National Assembly Job Ndugai, who was leading the previous primary vote.
In the initial primary elections held on August 4, Ndugai secured 5,692 votes, ahead of his closest competitors including Isaya Mngurumi with 2,602 votes and Deus Seif with 1,260. Other candidates in the race included Dr. Samora Mshang’a, Dr. Simon Ngatunga, and several others.
Ndugai died on August 6 and was laid to rest in his hometown in Kongwa, located within Tanzania’s Dodoma Region, on August 11. The Clerk of the National Assembly, Baraka Leonard, explained that Ndugai’s death was due to a severe respiratory infection that caused a sharp drop in blood pressure.
Also Read; Mali Military Detains Suspected Coup Plotters Amid Instability
Joyce Mkaugala, the CCM Secretary for Kongwa District, said the party will open nomination forms for only one day—Tuesday, August 12. Voting at the ward level will also take place on that day, following the same process used in the earlier primaries.
She added that the nomination fee remains at Sh500,000 with no additional charges. However, she did not specify if there will be further campaign opportunities for candidates and advised aspiring candidates to wait for further instructions.
The fresh primaries are a critical step to ensure the electoral process in Kongwa continues smoothly and to honor the legacy of the late Ndugai as the country prepares for upcoming general elections.
