CCM sets 10-year term limits for special seats

There have been calls from within and outside the party to set term limits for these positions to prevent a few individuals from holding onto them indefinitely and to create opportunities for more women to gain political experience.

Some special seats MPs have held their positions for 15, 20, or even 25 years, which contradicts the original purpose of these seats—to uplift more women into political leadership.

CCM reached this decision during its meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC), recently held in Dodoma.

The meeting on Monday, March 10, 2025, established that the new term limits will take effect starting in 2030.

When contacted, the party’s NEC Secretary for Ideology, Publicity, and Training, Mr Amos Makalla, did not respond to calls, while his counterpart in Zanzibar, Mr Khamis Mbetto Khamis, stated that protocol does not allow him to comment beyond the official statement.

Similarly, Deputy Secretary-General for Mainland, Mr John Mongella, said his role is limited to administration, and official statements should come from the party’s spokesperson.

“We have designated spokespersons for the party—the Chairperson, Secretary-General, and Publicity Secretary,” Mr Mongella stated.

Attempts to reach CCM Secretary-General Ambassador Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, and Vice-Chairperson for Mainland Mr Stephen Wasira were unsuccessful.

Although the decision was not part of the public statement issued after the meeting, several NEC members confirmed that the issue of term limits for special seats was discussed and approved.

A NEC member revealed that the new regulations will be incorporated into the bylaws of CCM’s affiliated wings—the Parents' Wing, Youth Wing (UVCCM), and Women's Wing (UWT)—rather than the CCM Constitution, as the latter only acknowledges special seats without providing details.

This means the term limits will be enforced through amendments to the internal regulations of these party wings.

"The new system will begin in 2030. All current special seats MPs will have to step down, and if they wish to remain in parliament, they must contest in constituencies. Those entering under the new system will only be allowed to serve for two terms (10 years)," said the NEC member.

Another committee member confirmed that the matter was discussed but refrained from providing further details and advised that official clarification should come from Mr Makalla.

Additionally, the NEC meeting approved the 2025 General Election campaign slogan: "Work and Intgrity, We Move Forward."

This slogan reflects CCM’s commitment to inclusive development, national welfare, and unity.

The issue of term limits for special seats was raised during the 15th-anniversary celebration of the Women Politicians' Union (Ulingo) on February 28, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, nearly 30 years after the Beijing Declaration on Women's Rights.

During the event, former CCM women's wing chairperson, Ms Sophia Simba, emphasised the need for term limits, noting that UWT had previously endorsed a 10-year limit, but implementation had been challenging.

A veteran politician and former CCM MP Kate Kamba supported this view, explaining that special seats were introduced as a training ground for women in politics before they transitioned to competitive electoral seats.

"Political leadership is tough; one must be resilient and ready to accept both victory and defeat. A fixed term limit is necessary," stated Ms Kamba.

The debate also resurfaced during a Mwananchi X Space discussion on March 5, 2025, where Ulingo national coordinator, Dr Ave-Maria Semakafu, stressed the importance of setting term limits while also elevating the status of special seats.

During the same discussion, Chadema’s Central Zone Chairperson, Ms Devotha Minja, supported term limits, arguing that more women should be given a chance to participate in leadership.

CCM Central Committee member, Ms Lailah Burhan Ngozi, also expressed support, encouraging women not to fear the change, as it would benefit more people.

The call for term limits is not new. It was a key campaign agenda of Chadema Chairman Tundu Lissu during his bid for party leadership in December 2024.

Mr Lissu, who won the position over Freeman Mbowe, argued that special seats were meant to equip women with leadership skills and experience, but some individuals had turned them into permanent positions.

“We need term limits to allow more women to gain political experience and participate actively in leadership,” Mr Lissu stated.