CCM denies it’s restricting intra-party democracy

Dar es Salaam. The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi has refuted reports indicating that it has amended its constitution to get rid of intra-party nomination to pick the party’s presidential candidate until an incumbent’s two terms have expired.

The refutation was issued yesterday by the CCM Publicity and Ideology Secretary, Mr Humphrey Polepole, during a press conference to announce regional and district administrative changes, at the party’s Dar es Salaam headquarters yesterday.

Mr Polepole, who was responding to questions from reporters, said the term limit for the party’s candidate for the presidential seat wasn’t part of the agenda during the CCM extra-ordinary congress in Dodoma earlier this month.

Said the party PR chief: “This is a fabricated report, the congress didn’t discuss the removal of intra-party competitions for the presidency or MP seats; party members and Tanzanians should ignore the report.”

Responding to a reporter’s question, he also spoke about Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda’s Clouds TV station incident.

Mr Polepole reiterated that President John Magufuli, who is the appointing authority, is the one to make any decision with regard to the RC’s fate. He was speaking to reporters in the event to announce regional and district party secretaries.

According to Mr Polepole, women comprise 31 per cent of the new administrative team. He also reiterated that the party’s secretary general, Mr Abdulrahaman Kinana is in India for medical treatment.