Africa-Press – Tanzania. POLITICAL analysts have praised the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) for conducting transparent and fair parliamentary nominations, endorsing popular candidates with strong backing from party members and their constituencies.
The move is being hailed as a sign of democratic maturity ahead of the October 29 General Election. The nominated candidates will represent CCM in the upcoming legislative elections.
Speaking over the weekend, seasoned political analyst Hamiduni Maliseli described the nomination process as one of the most historic, free and fair exercises in the party’s recent history.
He said the process had helped prevent internal disputes and defections by aspirants who might have, otherwise, felt unfairly treated.
“The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has done well by endorsing almost all aspirants who won in the initial primaries involving ward and constituency party members. Justice has prevailed,” Mr Maliseli said.
He added that by ensuring fair primaries, CCM had succeeded in containing dissatisfaction and preserving party unity, a crucial factor in maintaining a strong support base during the 60-day campaign period scheduled to start next Thursday.
Mr Maliseli also commended CCM for making strategic changes in key leadership positions, including the appointment of Dr Asha-Rose Migiro as Secretary-General and Mr Kenani Kihongosi as Secretary for Ideology, Publicity and Training.
“It has been CCM’s tradition to carry out timely reshuffles to enhance performance, especially during election seasons,” he noted.
Dr Migiro, a former United Nations Deputy SecretaryGeneral, replaced Ambassador Emmanuel Nchimbi, who was earlier nominated as the party’s presidential running mate alongside presidential candidate Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Mr Maliseli expressed confidence in Dr Migiro’s global leadership experience, saying it would add significant value to the party’s organisational strength.
He also praised Mr Kihongosi, known for his youth engagement and mobilisation skills, for his ability to connect with supporters through public rallies.
Mr Kihongosi previously served as Regional Commissioner for Simiyu and Arusha. He also once served as CCM Youth Wing Secretary-General.
He replaces Mr Amos Makalla, who now assumes the Arusha RC post. On his part, Public Administration and Governance expert Dr Adam Mnyavanu from the Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA) also praised the nominations for promoting openness and credibility in selecting candidates.
“The process was fair and focused on key principles such as loyalty to the party, adherence to leadership ethics and popularity among constituents,” he said.
Dr Mnyavanu pointed out that the inclusion of new faces would bring renewed momentum and energy to the party.
He advised the party to ensure all candidates undergo internal training sessions to familiarise themselves with national and international policy directions, including the CCM 2025–2030 Election Manifesto.
Political analyst Dr Isaac Safari from Saint Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT) also lauded the party for prioritising the youth in its nominations, saying it positioned them to champion the execution of Tanzania’s long-term development goals under Vision 2050.
“Senior leaders can serve as mentors to the youth. Their guidance will be crucial in mobilising resources and ensuring successful implementation of DIRA 2050,” Dr Safari noted.
He said that having secured credible candidates, the next step is to run issue-based campaigns that resonate with citizens and encourage high voter turnout.
“Every vote counts. I urge all eligible Tanzanians to turn up in large numbers on October 29 to elect their leaders,” he said.
Dr Richard Mbunda, a political science lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam, said the nominations reflected CCM’s deeply rooted democratic values and its commitment to inclusive representation.
“Democracy is about representation. CCM has done well to ensure diverse social groups are included. We want to see both young and experienced MPs, men and women, academics and even those with basic education working together to bring different perspectives to Parliament,” Dr Mbunda said.
He noted that the final list of endorsed candidates includes individuals from varied educational backgrounds, ranging from professors and PhD holders to degree graduates and standard seven leavers, ensuring a well-rounded legislative body.
The NEC meeting, held Saturday in Dodoma, concluded the nomination process.
It endorsed candidates for both the Union Parliament and the Zanzibar House of Representatives, including those contesting for Special Seats.
CCM National Chairperson and President Samia Suluhu Hassan said the nominations were a critical step in ensuring the party fields capable, committed leaders who are ready to serve the people with integrity and dedication.
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