Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE decision by the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) to impose a ten-year term limit on special seats legislators has sparked a wave of mixed reactions among political stakeholders, with the majority expressing strong support for the bold move.
The announcement was made on Tuesday evening by CCM’s National Executive Committee (NEC). The party approved the proposal to amend the 2022 regulations for nominating candidates for key leadership positions, along with drafting CCM election manifesto for the 2025-2030 General Election.
This development follows a special NEC meeting held on Monday in Dodoma, chaired by the party’s National Chairperson, President Samia Suluhu Hassan. During the meeting, the committee received and deliberated on various proposals for amending the party’s regulations.
Key amendments included the process for screening and selecting candidates for parliamentary positions, representatives, councillorships and women’s special seats.
The party also agreed to broaden the scope of participation in opinion polls for party meetings and its various wings, aiming to strengthen democracy,transparency and broaden the representation of CCM members in selecting candidates for leadership positions.
According to a press statement released and signed by the Secretary of NEC Organisation Mr Issa Haji Ussi, the committee approved a proposal to establish a two-term limit of five years for women’s special seats, effective starting with the 2030 General Election.
The party also unveiled its official campaign slogan for the 2025 General Election: “Kazi na Utu, Tunasonga Mbele” (Work and Dignity, Moving Forward).
The decision to introduce term limit for special seats has garnered reactions from political analysts, with many viewing the two-term limit as a boon for young politicians, particularly as the country approaches the upcoming General Election.
The political atmosphere remains charged as potential candidates continue to test their prospects ahead of the party primaries later this year.
“The decision by CCM regarding the term limit for special seats is a wise one,” a Senior Lecturer at the University of Dodoma Dr Joel Mmasa said.
“It’s a move that prevents candidates from staying in positions for too long, which often leads to complacency. By introducing term limits, we’ll allow new candidates to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to help advance the country’s development,” he added.
Dr Mmasa continued, “The ruling party’s decision was reached during an internal meeting led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan and aims to enhance political turnover, while ensuring that diverse voices are represented in the National Assembly.”
Supporters within CCM argue that the term limits will ensure that new ideas are brought to the legislative table.
A Special Seats lawmaker from the opposition party CHADEMA, Ms Anatropia Theonest also praised the ruling party’s decision. “This is a brilliant move,” she told the ‘Daily News’. “It will empower women in the constituencies. Women have faced numerous challenges in securing special seats, and this decision will revolutionise women’s political participation.”
Grassroots organisations have similarly welcomed the decision, viewing it as a victory for women’s representation.
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