Africa-Press – Tanzania. CHAMA Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) cadre, Mr Munir Zakaria, has said that families of national leaders also have the right to contest for political positions, including parliamentary seats.
Speaking in Dodoma yesterday, Mr Zakaria dismissed the notion that children or spouses of top leaders should be barred from vying for office, arguing that such a view is misleading and contrary to the Constitution.
“The Constitution grants every citizen the right to vote and be voted for. Therefore, when children or spouses of leaders seek elective positions, it should not be considered a sin,” he stressed.
He noted that political dynasties exist worldwide, citing the Kennedy family in the United States, which produced President John F Kennedy and Senators Edward and Robert Kennedy, as well as the Bush family, where George H W Bush and his son George W Bush both became presidents.
He also mentioned former US President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary Clinton, who later served as Secretary of State and a presidential candidate.
“This clearly shows that leadership within families is not a curse but a blessing, a source of strength and continuity. It is one of the foundations for building a strong and progressive nation,” Mr Zakaria said.
He further commended CCM’s nomination process for parliamentary aspirants, describing it as transparent and fair. “I joined CCM in May after over 15 years as a journalist without party affiliation.
Within a month, I collected nomination forms for Chamanzi Constituency. Out of 15 aspirants, seven names were shortlisted, including mine, despite not having any family ties within CCM. This proves fairness in the process,” he explained.
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