MWE Correspondent
Tanzania’s long-ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has officially chosen Kalambo District Commissioner Dr. Lazaro Komba to represent the party in the upcoming parliamentary by-election for Peramiho Constituency in Ruvuma Region — a decision that has stirred strong political debate across the country.
The announcement was made on January 25, 2026, by CCM Secretary for Ideology, Publicity and Training, Kenan Kihongosi, following a high-level Central Committee meeting held in Zanzibar and chaired by Tanzania’s President and CCM national chairperson, Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Dr. Komba’s nomination came as a surprise to many party supporters, particularly because he finished fifth in the party’s internal primaries with only 213 votes. The race was led by Victor Mhagama, who secured 3,040 votes, closely followed by Gertrude Haule with 2,913.
Despite their strong performance, the Central Committee exercised its constitutional authority to override the primary results — a move party leaders say was necessary to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
According to CCM officials, the primaries were marred by serious allegations including bribery, inflammatory language, and procedural misconduct. These concerns triggered investigations by Tanzania’s anti-graft agency, the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (TAKUKURU), which reportedly questioned several aspirants, including the primary frontrunner, Victor Mhagama.
In a formal statement, Kihongosi explained that the party acted under Article 105 (7)(f) of the CCM Constitution, which grants the Central Committee powers to make final candidate selections in exceptional circumstances.
“The party leadership carefully reviewed the entire nomination process and determined that corrective action was required to safeguard the party’s principles and public confidence,” he said.
The Peramiho seat fell vacant following the death of longtime legislator Jenista Mhagama, a respected political figure whose influence shaped the constituency for years. Her passing created a highly emotional and politically charged contest, with many residents initially rallying behind her son as a symbol of continuity.
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However, party insiders suggest that CCM leadership prioritized discipline and ethical standards over sympathy politics and raw vote numbers.
Dr. Komba, who is a trained medical doctor and seasoned government administrator, is widely viewed as a technocrat with experience in public service delivery. Allies say his background positions him well to address development challenges in rural Ruvuma, including healthcare access, infrastructure, and economic empowerment.
Political analysts note that while the decision has frustrated some grassroots supporters, it reflects CCM’s broader push to project itself as a party that does not tolerate corruption, even within its own ranks.
“The message is clear: popularity alone is not enough if the process is compromised,” said one Dar es Salaam-based political observer.
As the by-election campaign heats up, opposition parties are expected to capitalize on the internal controversy, hoping to weaken CCM’s traditional dominance in the area. Still, the ruling party remains confident that its organizational strength and Dr. Komba’s administrative credentials will secure victory.
The Peramiho contest is now being closely watched nationwide, seen as a test of CCM’s internal democracy and its willingness to enforce ethical standards ahead of future national elections.
