SAMIA, MWINYI, NCHIMBI ENDORSEMENT: Analysts see brighter future

DODOMA: VETERAN politicians, analysts and academics are optimistic about Tanzania’s future following the ruling CCM’s endorsement of Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan and Dr Hussein Mwinyi as the presidential candidates for Union and Zanzibar governments respectively, for this year’s General Election.

They also thumped up endorsement of Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi as the running mate of Dr Samia. According to them, all the three leaders have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities throughout their political careers, characterised by hard work, honesty, participatory governance, discipline, resilience, and a strong commitment to development for all citizens.

As such, they believe that the combination of Dr Samia and Dr Nchimbi in the government will drive significant progress in the country across various sectors.

The endorsement took place during CCM’s Extraordinary General Meeting on Sunday in Dodoma, where Dr Samia, who is also CCM’s National Chairperson and Dr Nchimbi, the party’s Secretary General, were officially endorsed to contest for the country’s top positions.

Dr Mwinyi was also endorsed as the candidate for Zanzibar presidency. In an exclusive interview with ‘Daily News’ yesterday, renowned academician Professor Costa Mahalu expressed confidence that, given the hardworking nature of the three leaders, they would effectively implement CCM’s Election Manifesto for 2025-2030, taking Tanzania’s development to new heights.

“All the endorsed candidates are hard workers with a strong desire to bring positive change to all citizens in line with the party’s manifesto. Under their leadership, Tanzania will continue moving forward,” said Prof Mahalu.

He also commended Dr Samia and Dr Mwinyi for the remarkable implementation of CCM’s 2020-2025 Election Manifesto across socio-economic sectors, including education, health, energy, transport and infrastructure, which significantly improved citizens’ livelihoods.

“As an academic, I can confidently say that the party has successfully implemented its manifesto in the education sector. Today, the government is providing loans to students at technical colleges to equip youths with skills for job creation,” he noted.

In terms of transport infrastructure, Prof Mahalu praised the sixth phase government for its exemplary execution of the Standard Gauge Railway Project (SGR) project and the revitalisation of Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL), which now operates 16 aircraft. These efforts have positioned Tanzania among African countries with the best economic infrastructures.

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He also acknowledged CCM’s efforts under Dr Samia for maintaining peace and tranquility in the country. Another veteran diplomat and politician, Ambassador Gertrude Mongella described Dr Samia as a visionary and resilient leader, who has ensured the continued implementation of projects left by her predecessor, Dr John Magufuli. Amb Mongella also noted Dr Samia’s commitment to participatory governance and transparency, qualities that will enable smooth collaboration with Dr Nchimbi, whom she described as a transformational leader.

“Dr Nchimbi is a born leader, with vast experience as a former National Youth Wing Chairperson of CCM and in various high-ranking government positions during the fourth and fifth phases of government,” she said.

By selecting Dr Nchimbi as the running mate candidate, CCM has demonstrated that it has a pool of well-prepared leaders, Amb Mongella added.

Former CCM Youth Wing Secretary General, who currently serves as Temeke District Commissioner Mr Sixtus Mapunda said that the early endorsement of Dr Samia and Dr Mwinyi points toward a promising future for the country, citing their strong leadership and effective supervision of the current manifesto.

He noted that under President Samia’s leadership, Tanzania has constructed girls’ secondary schools in all regions, significantly promoting education inclusivity in the pursuit of sustainable development.

Mr Mapunda also pointed out that Dr Nchimbi’s endorsement reaffirms CCM’s institutional memory, as he has served in multiple phases of government, gaining widespread recognition both within and outside the party.

Economic and investment banker Dr Hildebrand Shayo predicted that Tanzania’s economy will experience upward growth over the next five years under the leadership of Dr Samia, building on the development of critical economic infrastructures such as ports, railways and roads.

Dr Shayo said the ongoing economic growth will significantly improve the living standards of Tanzanians and strengthen the supervision of the country’s economic resources for sustainable development.