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Tanzania polls: CCM extends primaries schedule as crowd of contenders jostle for slots, reflecting the intense political momentum building ahead of the country’s October 2025 general elections. The ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has officially extended its internal nomination process to accommodate an overwhelming number of aspirants vying for parliamentary, councillorship, and representative positions across the country.
Initially scheduled to conclude on July 2, the nomination window has now been extended by several days, following what party officials described as “unprecedented interest” from both political veterans and fresh-faced newcomers. The extension aims to ensure that all eligible candidates have a fair opportunity to submit their forms and complete the vetting process.
According to CCM’s National Executive Committee, the surge in applications is a testament to the party’s enduring influence and the high stakes of the upcoming elections. With Tanzania’s political landscape becoming increasingly competitive, the primaries are shaping up to be a critical battleground for internal party democracy and candidate legitimacy.
Observers note that the 2025 elections will be the first major test of CCM’s unity and adaptability under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership. Since taking office in 2021, President Samia has introduced a more conciliatory tone in governance, reopened political space, and initiated reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions. These changes have emboldened both ruling party members and opposition figures to re-engage in the political process.
The primaries have drawn a diverse mix of contenders, including seasoned legislators, youth leaders, women activists, and technocrats. In constituencies like Kinondoni, Arusha Urban, and Mbeya Rural, the number of aspirants has more than doubled compared to the 2020 cycle. Party insiders say the competition is fierce, with some regions seeing over 30 candidates vying for a single parliamentary slot.
CCM’s Ideology and Publicity Secretary, Paul Makonda, emphasized that the extension is not a sign of disorganization but rather a reflection of the party’s commitment to inclusivity and transparency. “We are witnessing democracy in action within our party. The people want to lead, and we must give them the space to do so,” he said.
The extended schedule also allows the party’s vetting committees more time to scrutinize candidates’ qualifications, integrity, and alignment with CCM’s values. The committees are tasked with ensuring that only credible and capable individuals make it to the final ballot, a process that has become increasingly important as public demand for accountable leadership grows.
Meanwhile, opposition parties are closely monitoring the primaries, viewing them as a barometer of CCM’s internal cohesion and electoral strategy. With the main opposition party CHADEMA still facing legal and procedural hurdles, the ruling party’s primaries could set the tone for the broader campaign season.
Political analysts suggest that the high turnout of aspirants may also reflect shifting dynamics within CCM itself, as younger members seek to challenge entrenched political elites. This generational contest is expected to influence not only candidate selection but also campaign messaging and voter engagement strategies.
As the extended primaries unfold, all eyes will be on how CCM balances inclusivity with discipline, and whether the process will produce candidates capable of addressing the country’s pressing challenges—from youth unemployment and inflation to climate resilience and digital transformation.
With just three months to go before the general elections, Tanzania’s political engine is revving up—and CCM’s primaries are proving to be the ignition point.