CCM ASPIRANTS SHORTLIST RESULTS: Anxiety grips nation

DODOMA: ANXIOUS wait clouded the country from yesterday until the early hours of today, as aspirants of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) eagerly awaited the results of the Central Committee of the National Executive Committee which approved names to contest in the party primaries.

The party’s Central Committee of the NEC convened a crucial meeting yesterday, that was expected to finalise a shortlist of parliamentary and Zanzibar House of Representative contenders ahead of the 2025 General Election.

The party had initially announced that its Secretary for Ideology, Publicity and Training, Mr Amos Makalla, would brief journalists on the screening exercise at 5:00 pm.

However, the briefing was delayed until 9:30 pm, and as we went to press at 4:00 am, it had yet to begin. This high-stake session followed an Extraordinary National Congress Meeting held virtually on Saturday, during which CCM amended its constitution.

The amendment allows the party’s Central Committee of the National Executive Council (NEC) to nominate additional candidates beyond the customary three names approved by the District and Regional Political Committees, should circumstances necessitate.

Specifically, the party amended Article 105, main clause 7(F), by adding the phrase “unless the Central Committee of the CCM National Executive Council decides otherwise.”

Consequently, Article 105, main clause 7(F), of the CCM Constitution is now proposed to read: “To consider and nominate the names of not more than three CCM members for each electoral constituency who applied for Parliamentary and House of Representatives seats so they can be voted on—unless the Central Committee of the CCM National Executive Council decides otherwise.”

Meanwhile, Dodoma’s atmosphere typically transforms when the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) convenes major events, particularly those drawing members from across the country.

The capital usually buzzes with heavy traffic, party flags and banners, all signalling a significant political unfolding. However, this time, as CCM’s Central Committee convened in Dodoma to review and screen aspirants for parliamentary and representative positions ahead of the October 29, 2025 General Election, the scene was strikingly quiet.

Both at the party’s headquarters and at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre (JKCC), traditional venues for such sessions, an unusual calm prevailed.

There were no party flags fluttering at major junctions or roundabouts, no ubiquitous campaign banners, no unusual traffic jams and no visible throngs of party faithful, save for the usual weekend foot traffic of jogging clubs.

While the city remained outwardly calm, this belied the intense activity occurring behind closed doors.

Crucial meetings presided over by the party’s national Chairperson President Samia Suluhu Hassan, were convened as of early hours as 2:00 a.m.

ALSO READ: CCM meets to approve its constitution’s minor amendments

Following the Ethics Committee’s meeting, attention turned to the Central Committee of CCM’s National Executive Council (NEC), which convened yesterday.

This critical session deliberated on and approved the list of candidates who will advance to the party’s internal primaries, slated for Monday. It is worth recalling that last Saturday, CCM made history by conducting its first-ever virtual National Congress.

During the session, minor amendments to the party constitution were passed, key among them being the provision allowing the Central Committee to nominate more than three aspirants for each position, based on merit and strategic considerations. Social media platforms buzzed with how CCM conducted the meeting.

August Lyamuya, a resident and motorcycle (bodaboda) rider, said he was unaware that the party was holding a crucial meeting, but noted that he is keen to find out who will advance to the next stage.

“I didn’t know any big meeting was happening, but my eyes and ears are open. I want to know who makes it through,” he said.

Over the weekend, the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the 2025 General Election timetable revealing from August 9 to August 27, 2025, the commission will be issuing nomination forms for Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates.

From August 14 to August 27, 2025, it will be a right time for Parliamentary and Councillors candidates to be issued with nomination forms.

INEC has reserved August 27, 2025 as a Nomination Day for candidates for President and Vice- President, Parliament and Councils.

The marathon of campaigns will start August 28 until October 28, 2025 for Mainland Tanzania while August 28 – October 27, 2025 will be official campaign period for Zanzibar to allow for early voting. Finally,

October 29, 2025 (Wednesday), is designated as the General Election day, when eligible voters across the nation will have the opportunity to cast their ballots for President, Members of Parliament and Councillors.