Africa-Press – Tanzania. CHAMA Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) yesterday released the names of 1,726 aspirants who will compete in the party’s parliamentary primaries, saying the process has considered all groups as a demonstration of growth and democratic resilience within the party.
Unveiling the names of the aspirants in Dodoma yesterday, CCM Secretary for Ideology, Publicity and Training, Mr Amos Makalla said the party has inclusively considered all groups, including journalists, artists, women and members from diverse backgrounds.
The party stressed that their goal is to provide equal opportunities to everyone.
The nominations have featured new faces, prominent figures, some who were excluded in the 2020 elections, as well as notable omissions.
Mr Makalla said that the aspirants are for 272 constituencies nationwide.
“We have carried out this task with great diligence, ensuring that we act justly, while also respecting those who, at this stage, have not been selected during the nomination process,” said CPA Makala.
He added: “I am asking those who have not been selected at this stage to remain calm and continue offering their support to the party. You have shown that you are loyal members who exercised your constitutional right to seek the party’s endorsement. You followed all the procedures and some of you were even shortlisted to participate in the screening process.”
Some of the notable aspirants that have appeared in the list are those who were dropped in 2020 elections. They include Lazaro Nyalandu (Ilongero), William Ngeleja (Sengerema), Ezekiel Maige (Msalala), Kangi Lugola (Mwibara), Lawrence Masha (Nyamagana), Charles Tizeba (Buchosa), Aggrey Mwanri (Siha), Othmani Mfutakamba (Igalula) and Dr Mary Nagu (Hanang).
Moreover, three aspirants were named as sole candidates in their constituencies including Ridhiwani Jakaya Kikwete (Chalinze), Dr Doto Biteko (Bukombe) and Salma Kikwete (Mchinga).
Notably, several prominent figures in the country’s political landscape have been dropped. The list includes January Makamba (Bumbuli), Luhaga Mpina (Kisesa), Bishop Josephat Gwajima (Kawe), Mrisho Gambo (Arusha Mjini), Angelina Mabula (Ilemela), Ole Sendeka (Simanjiro), Paulina Gekul (Babati).
Also, a total of 235 women are set to compete in the constituency primaries, alongside 44 women vying for Zanzibar’s House of Representatives and 210 for special seats.
Also, other 30 aspirants have been selected to contest for Special Seats parliamentary positions through the party’s Youth Wing (UVCCM) from mainland and 17 aspirants from Zanzibar.
In addition, 42 other aspirants have been selected to contest for Special Seats parliamentary positions through the party’s women wing (UWT) Zanzibar, representing the categories of academics, persons with disabilities, workers and NGOs.
Speaking about the volunteerism spirit of the candidates, Mr Makalla said, “the courage and spirit of volunteerism you have displayed is a clear sign of your love for our party. Your overwhelming response is also clear evidence that CCM is a beloved party, trusted and relied upon by citizens as the foundation for the future leadership of our country.”
“Citizens are closely watching us; they are not asleep. They want to know which candidates our party will put forward in the primaries and eventually in the general election,” he said.
CPA Makalla said that the large number of aspirants and the great anticipation surrounding these announcements are proof that CCM is a strong party, with more members than any other party in Tanzania, and even across Africa.
“Our promise as a party is to ensure we bring forth a strong election manifesto and most importantly, to nominate the best candidates, those who will be presented in the primaries before the party’s final selection,” said Mr Makalla.
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