Dodoma urban split: 25 CCM members vie for seats

DODOMA: TWENTY-FIVE members of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) have so far collected nomination forms to contest parliamentary seats in Dodoma Urban and Mtumba constituencies, which were recently carved out of the former Dodoma Urban constituency.

CCM District Secretary Sofia Kibaba confirmed to the Daily News that as of 10:10 am yesterday, 21 aspirants had picked up forms for Dodoma Urban, while four others expressed interest in contesting the newly established Mtumba Constituency.

“I want to remind all those seeking the party’s endorsement that premature campaigning is strictly prohibited. At this stage, candidates are only permitted to collect nomination forms,” said Ms Kibaba.

Following the party’s internal vetting process, shortlisted candidates will be granted a four- to five-day window to campaign within the party’s framework.

Mr Anthony Mavunde, who serves as Dodoma Urban Member of Parliament and the current Minister for Minerals has since declared his intention to run for the new Mtumba seat.

The split came after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the creation of eight new constituencies on May 12th this year.

Dodoma City Council had earlier endorsed the proposal to divide Dodoma Urban into two constituencies: Dodoma and Mtumba.

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Previously, Dodoma Urban was one of Tanzania’s largest constituencies, with the population of 795,000.

Under the new arrangement, Dodoma Constituency will cover 21 wards and approximately 412,000 residents, while Mtumba will consist of 20 wards with a population of around 383,000.

Mr Mavunde welcomed the restructuring, noting that the size of the former constituency spanning four divisions, 41 wards, and 222 streets had made effective service delivery challenging.

“The split will enhance service delivery, improve access to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), and accelerate infrastructure development,” he said.

He also assured residents that ongoing development projects under the Dodoma City Council would continue to benefit both constituencies.

“This move will significantly boost development and ensure Dodoma City achieves remarkable progress,” Mr Mavunde added.