A masterstroke campaign opener
DAR ES SALAAM: DAR ES SALAAM was draped in a festive mood yesterday as the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), officially kicked off its election campaigns at the iconic Tanganyika Packers grounds, setting the stage for the October 29th General Election.
From the break of dawn, anticipation was palpable. Loyal party members and enthusiastic supporters began streaming into the venue as early as 5 am, and by midmorning, the vast grounds were packed to capacity, vibrating with chants, songs and the unmistakable energy of history in the making.
The sky was adorned with two choppers, majestically flying the CCM flags and banners of the party’s candidates, adding thunderous spectacle to the grand campaign launch.
Organisers had spared no detail. Security was tight, medical personnels were on standby and the green-andyellow ambiance reflected both discipline and celebration. Outside the venue, business was booming.
Petty traders and food vendors in Kawe and around Tanganyika Packers raked in profits as hungry and thirsty revellers snapped up refreshments.
“We’ve never sold this much in a single day,” one beaming food kiosk operator confessed, as plates and bottles emptied faster than they could be replenished.
The unforgiving Dar es Salaam sun did little to dampen the spirit of the faithful.
Thousands stood their ground, waving flags and chanting party slogans as they awaited the momentous arrival of CCM’s presidential candidate, President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her running mate, Ambassador Emmanuel Nchimbi.
To keep the tempo high, the legendary TOT Band and popular local artists treated the mammoth crowd to electrifying performances.
Their hits reverberated through the grounds, blending seamlessly with the cheers and ululations of the expectant multitude.
At 1:40 pm, the arrival of Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa was greeted with a thunderous roar, quickly followed by Vice-President Dr Philip Mpango.
The atmosphere again intensified when Dr Nchimbi himself climbed the stage at 2:00 pm, prompting deafening applause and chants of approval, a clear signal of grassroots endorsement.
The momentum built further with the arrival of Zanzibar President and CCM Vice-Chairman (Zanzibar) Dr Hussein Mwinyi and by 2:40 pm, the appearance of former President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete sent the grounds into another nostalgic frenzy. But the climax came at 2:50 pm. when the incumbent President and CCM’s presidential flag bearer, Samia Suluhu Hassan, strode gracefully onto the stage.
The crowd erupted into a jubilant roar as Tanzanian music icon Naseeb Abdul, popularly known as Diamond Platnumz, serenaded the occasion with a vibrant welcome song.
Flags waved, drums beat and chants soared as Dar es Salaam confirmed once more the marathon has started.
