Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) yesterday raised 86.51bn/- during a fundraising gala dinner to support its campaign ahead of the October 29th General Election.
Of the total, 56.31bn/- was collected in cash and 30.2bn/- in pledges.
Contributions came through mobile money, bank transfers and quick response (QR) code payments.
The event, graced by CCM National Chairperson, President Samia Suluhu Hassan in Dar es Salaam drew senior government leaders, business executives, party members and supporters from across the country. Guests enjoyed live entertainment and an auction of memorabilia.
President Samia, who personally contributed 100m/-, congratulated the organisers, contributors and those who will continue to contribute, saying CCM has held a central place in the nation’s history since its founding.
She said history alone cannot sustain the party, which must be actively maintained like a vehicle that needs regular care to keep it running.
“CCM’s stability comes from the unity of its members in thought, action and resources, as reflected in today’s contributions,” she said.
President Samia further said that the growing enthusiasm of young people joining the party and the strong spirit of giving shown during the gala, is proof that the party will be built by its members.
“Your contributions give us hope that we will be able to successfully complete our campaigns. Let us maintain our unity, so that we can secure the people’s mandate and implement the plans set out in our manifesto,” she said, urging members to continue contributing to strengthen the party.
She added that building the party is the responsibility of its members and supporters, both at home and abroad.
“Self-reliance is the ability to manage your own affairs. We have done a lot within CCM, but when we saw the coffers drying up, we called on members to come and support us. So far, we have raised 86bn/- out of our 100bn/- target, and contributions will continue until August 27th this year,” she said.
Explaining the origins of the fundraising initiative, CCM Secretary General, Ambassador Emmanuel Nchimbi said the idea emerged on May 28th this year during the laying of the foundation stone for the party’s new headquarters in Dodoma, when members expressed interest in contributing to the project.
“We conveyed those requests, but the Chairperson advised that, with the elections approaching, the fundraising should also support campaign needs. This proposal was discussed and approved by the Central Committee, leading to today’s event,” he said.
Dr Nchimbi added that the initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening CCM’s capacity to participate effectively in the elections and its daily activities, noting that the party’s more than 13 million members are ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with the leadership.
The gala was attended by Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi, VicePresident Dr Philip Mpango, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Tulia Ackson and delegations from regions across Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Individual contributions included President Samia (100m/-), Dr Mwinyi (50m/-), Dr Mpango (20m/-), Mr Majaliwa (20m/-), Mr Hemedi Suleiman Abdulla (20m/-), Mr Stephen Wasira (20m/- ), Dr Tulia (20m/-) and Mr Zuber Ally Maulid (20m/- ).
CCM members in Zanzibar contributed 4bn/- , while the Federation of Miners Association of Tanzania (FEMATA) donated approximately 16bn/-, ministers from Mainland Tanzania collectively contributed approximately 300m/-, while those from the Isles gave about 70m/-.
Organisers said the funds will strengthen the party’s logistical capacity and voter engagement during the campaign period, set to run from August 28 to October 28, before the General Election on October 29th this year.
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