Samia, Nchimbi to seek votes in Pemba, Ruvuma
ZANZIBAR: CCM presidential candidate, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, is scheduled to address voters on Pemba Island today at a major campaign rally at the historic Gombani Grounds in Chake Chake.
Ahead of the rally, Dr Samia yesterday paid tribute at the grave of Zanzibar’s founding President, the late Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume, outside CCM headquarters in Zanzibar.
Dr Samia was joined by other senior party leaders in special prayers, seeking blessings for a peaceful campaign and successful election. The solemn act underscored CCM’s recognition of its historical roots and the enduring role of the Union in shaping the national unity, which Dr Samia has pledged to safeguard.
Her rally in Chake Chake follows two earlier campaign gatherings in Unguja— Makunduchi in the South Region and Nungwi in the North Region—where she stressed continuity, stability and inclusive development.
In Makunduchi, she highlighted her government’s commitment to peace, education, health and infrastructure, assuring residents that rural areas would continue to benefit from improved services. At Nungwi, she appealed to youths and women to seize opportunities in tourism and the blue economy, noting her administration’s commitment to job creation and entrepreneurship.
Tomorrow’s appearance in Pemba is expected to reinforce these themes while strengthening the Isles’ role in the Union and assuring voters that Zanzibar’s voice will remain central in national decision-making.
Meanwhile, CCM’s vice-presidential candidate, Ambassador Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, today continues with his campaign trail in Ruvuma Region, being his 12th region since the start of the campaign.
Dr Nchimbi has already held rallies in Mwanza, Simiyu, Mara, Shinyanga, Geita, Kagera, Rukwa, Katavi, Arusha, Kilimanjaro and Tanga.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) schedule, Dr Nchimbi will today address a major rally at Litui, Nyasa District Council and is later expected in Songea Municipality to prepare for a joint rally with Dr Samia tomorrow in Mbamba Bay, Nyasa.
On Monday, the two candidates will again hold a joint rally in Songea Town before Dr Nchimbi proceeds to Madaba for a smaller meeting, then to Ludewa Town for another major rally, and finally to Njombe Town.
Residents of Ruvuma expressed enthusiasm about the campaign trail.
Mr Arafat Athuman, a bodaboda rider in Songea, said President Samia’s track record is a reason enough for strong public support.
“Her leadership has brought visible changes, and people here are eager to welcome her,” he said.
Another resident, Ms Severine Mapua, praised Dr Nchimbi’s leadership qualities, saying his partnership with Dr Samia would drive national development in a new direction. He urged the leaders to prioritise infrastructure, particularly the dilapidated Njombe–Songea road.
CCM officials said campaign rallies in Ruvuma are expected to attract thousands of supporters, noting that the party is banking on the achievements of Dr Samia’s administration, including major development projects, to secure overwhelming voter backing.
