Samia: No early campaigns

DODOMA: CHAMA Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) National Chairperson, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has warned party members against engaging in early campaigns ahead of the General Election slated for October this year and called for unity to secure victory.

Speaking during the CCM Extraordinary General Meeting in Dodoma yesterday, she urged members to focus on strengthening the party at all levels instead of indulging in activities that could divide them.

“This year is crucial for our party and the nation. It is a year of the General Election and we must leave here stronger and more united. Our preparations must be thorough and disciplined,” President Samia said.

She warned those conducting premature campaigns, saying the practice violates the party’s principles and creates unnecessary divisions.

The President revealed hat there had been complaints about individuals organising caravans and holding unauthorised meetings under false pretences, such as discussing farming projects.

“We have received evidence, including pictures of people mobilising personal campaigns disguised as other activities. This behaviour must stop immediately,” she said.

She reminded CCM members that the strength of the party lies in its members, urging them to maintain discipline and abide by the party’s rules.

“Our party has always thrived because it listens to the voices of its members and adapts to the needs of the time.Let us continue to uphold this legacy,” she said.

President Samia also announced significant structural reforms aimed at improving inclusivity and ensuring active participation of members in decision-making.

These include expanding opportunities for CCM members to participate in the selection of Members of Parliament, Members of the House of Representatives and Councillors, as well as increasing representation in the Central Committee (CC) of the National Executive Committee (NEC).

“These reforms require amendments to our party constitution and we will present the proposed changes during this meeting. I urge all members to deliberate on them carefully, keeping in mind the interests of the party and the nation,” she said.

The President further reflected on CCM’s performance in the 2024 local government elections, describing the victory as evidence to the party’s strong foundation. She commended members for their hard work and dedication but reminded them of the challenges ahead.

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“We must build on this success and prepare for an even bigger victory in the 2025 General Election. The future of this nation lies in our hands and we must not let our people down,” she said.

She also called on leaders and officials to abandon complacency and work with integrity to address the needs of the people. “Our role as leaders is to listen to the citizens and solve their problems.

This is something we haven’t done well as we should. Let us commit ourselves to serve the people better,” she said.

On voter registration, President Samia urged members to mobilise citizens to register and update their details in the Permanent Voter Register.

She stressed that this was a critical step toward ensuring the party’s success in the upcoming elections. “We must ensure every eligible citizen is registered and ready to vote.

This is a responsibility we cannot take lightly,” she said. As the party moves toward nominating candidates for the elections, the President cautioned against factionalism and called for unity.

“During the nomination process, it is natural to have many candidates and different groups. However, once the party selects its candidates, we must all unite behind them. Let us not allow divisions to weaken our party,” she said.

President Samia also reminded members of their responsibility to safeguard the country’s freedom and dignity through competent leadership. “The responsibility to lead this nation lies with us.

We must approach this mission with commitment and determination. Let us not belittle our opponents, but at the same time, let us not fear them. We must defend the trust that the people have placed in us,” she said.