Joseph Isangura
Tanzania’s ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has committed to conducting its campaigns for the upcoming local government elections in alignment with the “4Rs” philosophy championed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
This approach emphasizes respect, resilience, restraint, and resolve, key pillars that CCM aims to uphold throughout the electoral process to foster a respectful and cooperative political environment.
In a statement made on November 6, 2024, in Dar es Salaam, CCM’s Secretary of Ideology, Publicity, and Training, Amos Makalla, addressed party members and leaders in a closed meeting. He reaffirmed that CCM’s approach to campaigning will reflect the 4Rs philosophy, urging all political parties to follow suit. This strategy is seen as a means to maintain harmony and focus on serving Tanzanian citizens’ interests.
“We want to assure Tanzanians that CCM and its candidates will participate in the local government elections guided by President Samia’s 4Rs,” Makalla declared. “We will conduct civilized campaigns, grounded in tolerance and mutual respect. We encourage other parties to adopt these values as well, as we are all here to serve the people of Tanzania.”
Makalla emphasized that the 4Rs philosophy is more than a campaign approach—it’s a commitment to the broader ideals of good governance and unity. By centering campaigns around respect and understanding, CCM seeks to set an example of leadership that fosters national stability and cohesion during the electoral season. This initiative is also intended to reduce political tensions, encouraging Tanzanians to view political diversity as a strength rather than a source of division.
The 4Rs philosophy originates from President Samia’s broader vision for a more inclusive and participatory government, aiming to uplift the values of respect, resilience, restraint, and resolve in both governance and daily life. Under her leadership, these values have become guiding principles, promoting collaboration and resilience in the face of challenges.
Makalla called on all political parties to exercise restraint in their language and actions, urging them to respect each other’s right to campaign peacefully. He stressed that Tanzanians deserve campaigns that focus on issues rather than personal attacks, and he pledged CCM’s commitment to positive discourse and ethical behavior.
This call for decorum comes as the political landscape in Tanzania prepares for local elections, where candidates from various parties will vie for roles at the community level. Historically, local government elections have occasionally seen heightened emotions, with candidates and parties striving to gain support across constituencies. However, CCM’s renewed commitment to respectful campaigning reflects an aim to reduce friction and promote a more constructive electoral process.
Additionally, Makalla noted that CCM will train its candidates to approach these elections with discipline, civility, and focus on policies that impact the daily lives of Tanzanians. He explained that CCM candidates are expected to prioritize addressing issues such as access to public services, infrastructure development, and local economic opportunities.
Members in attendance at the meeting voiced support for this approach, with several indicating that a peaceful, issue-focused campaign would resonate with Tanzanians seeking constructive dialogue about the nation’s future. CCM leaders also expressed optimism that other political parties will embrace this cooperative spirit, creating an election season defined by productive competition and mutual respect.
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The commitment to the 4Rs philosophy signals a broader shift in Tanzanian politics towards a campaign environment where tolerance and cooperation are paramount. As the local elections draw near, CCM’s pledge to uphold these values positions the party as an advocate for unity and respect, reinforcing a culture of civil discourse and collective responsibility.
The NEC Secretary concluded his remarks by affirming CCM’s dedication to a peaceful electoral season and encouraged Tanzanians to embrace this philosophy, underscoring that the ultimate goal of all parties should be to work for the collective good of the nation.
