CCM vows stronger Union

ZANZIBAR: CCM presidential candidate Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan has pledged to strengthen the Union and steer Tanzania towards inclusive development that benefits all citizens, if her party wins next week’s General Election.

Addressing thousands of supporters at Mnazi Mmoja Grounds in Zanzibar yesterday, Dr Samia outlined key priorities of the CCM’s 2025–2030 Manifesto, including protecting the Union, ensuring equitable access to education, health and water, and expanding economic opportunities for youths, women and people with disabilities.

Dr Samia said both the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar value the implementation of CCM’s pledges, adding that the next phase will deliver even greater progress.

“Our first commitment is to safeguard the Union with full force because it remains beneficial to both sides. It is a partnership built on trust and shared prosperity,” she said.

She added, “I assure you, together with President Mwinyi, we will continue to strengthen it and deliver the development that every Tanzanian deserves.”

The CCM flag-bearer said her government will pursue inclusive growth, ensuring that social services such as electricity, clean water, education, health care and food security reach every household. She stressed that development must be people-centred and anchored in equality.

“Development must take everyone along. No one should be left behind,” she said, noting that projects in both Zanzibar and the Mainland will continue to focus on communities in rural and urban areas alike.

Dr Samia reaffirmed her administration’s focus on economic empowerment, pledging to expand access to affordable credit, business capital and employment opportunities.

She highlighted the success of the 10 per cent local government loans and said future plans include a stronger national microfinance frame work for youths and women entrepreneurs.

“We will deepen programmes that allow citizens to engage in business and generate income,” she said. “Our goal is to build both the macro and micro economy so that growth at the national level translates into better lives at the household level.”

She added that the next government will give special attention to productive sectors including the blue economy, tourism, agriculture, energy, oil and gas and industrial development, saying those areas are key to creating decent jobs and sustainable wealth.

On governance, Dr Samia said the CCM manifesto commits to building an accountable and transparent state guided by justice and the rule of law. She reiterated her promise to deliver a new constitution within the next five years and to strengthen citizen participation in policy decisions.

“Good politics is about stability and inclusion,” she said. “When citizens are involved in shaping their nation’s future, peace endures, and development becomes meaningful.”

She also pledged continued improvement in diplomatic relations, saying Tanzania’s reputation on the global stage has been restored through effective foreign policy. The country, she said, will maintain that standing by pursuing cooperation based on mutual respect and economic interest.

Dr Samia assured Tanzanians that her government will keep investing in education, health, housing and infrastructure to make development more inclusive.

“Progress has no finish line,” she said. “We will keep building schools, hospitals and roads so that Tanzania remains the engine of East African growth.”

Former Zanzibar President Dr Ali Mohamed Shein called on Tanzanians to protect the Union and the legacy of the Zanzibar Revolution by voting for CCM next week.

“After voting, return home peacefully and respect the procedures,” he said. “Our Union is the foundation of stability and progress. There are those who wish to weaken it, but they will not succeed because Tanzanians understand its value.”

Dr Shein said the Revolution remains a patriotic heritage that must be defended and celebrated.

“Today we prove that our Union and our Revolution have no substitute. They are the pillars of our peace,” he said, urging citizens to continue supporting Dr Samia and Dr Hussein Mwinyi.

Zanzibar President and CCM Zanzibar presidential candidate Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi echoed confidence that CCM will secure a resounding victory because of its proven record in uniting Tanzanians and driving growth.

“Everywhere we went, people welcomed us with warmth and promised to vote for CCM,” he said. “The campaigns have been peaceful and orderly, showing that our nation values unity and maturity.”

Dr Mwinyi appealed to voters to turn out early on election day, describing voting as the final step in fulfilling the mission of the campaign. “The work ahead is simple, go and vote. Let’s finish this journey in peace and dignity,” he said.

He further urged citizens to support Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan and all CCM candidates at every level, saying their victory would ensure the continuation of policies that have strengthened education, healthcare and economic resilience.

CCM Secretary General Dr Asha-Rose Migiro commended the strong partnership between Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, saying it demonstrates the enduring power of the Union.

She said the presence of delegations from friendly liberation parties such as FRELIMO, SWAPO, ZANU-PF, CPC and CPV proved the international respect Tanzania commands under CCM leadership.

“Zanzibar has today made history. The energy, unity and patriotism seen here reflect the true spirit of our Union,” she said. “Dr Samia and Dr Mwinyi have worked hand in hand to sustain peace and development from Kizimkazi to Kagera.”

Dr Migiro also commended Dr Samia’s contribution to tourism and global visibility through the Royal Tour documentary, saying she positioned Tanzania as a leading destination for investors and visitors alike.

“Dr Samia has been a symbol of unity, progress and leadership,” she said. “Her commitment to clean energy, environment and investment has lifted both the Mainland and the Isles.”

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She concluded by urging Tanzanians to turn out in large numbers to vote on October 29 to preserve peace, unity and the country’s steady march toward prosperity