Judgement day for CCM aspirants as final list awaits release

The party’s influential Central Committee (CC), chaired by CCM National Chairperson and President Samia Suluhu Hassan, is expected to release the names of three shortlisted candidates per elective position.

This follows days of intense vetting by the Secretariat, which began deliberations on Monday, July 14, 2025, under CCM Secretary-General, Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi’s leadership.

Due to the ongoing vetting, Dr Nchimbi and other key Secretariat members were absent on Thursday, July 12, 2025, for the launch of the National Development Vision 2050 in Dodoma.

The Secretariat reviewed recommendations submitted by party branch, district and regional committees before forwarding its shortlist to the Central Committee for approval.

In some constituencies, 20 to 30 aspirants are competing for just three slots, a highly competitive process as party stalwarts, including incumbent MPs and former ministers from the fourth-phase government under Jakaya Kikwete and the late President John Magufuli, return to the fray.

Competition is particularly fierce in high-profile constituencies featuring political heavyweights, should their names survive today’s final cut.

Some CC members, speaking to The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi on condition of anonymity, confirmed the final list will be published after the meeting via social media and party networks.

The vetting will reduce the pool to three candidates per constituency, about 800 out of the 4,109 aspirants who expressed interest across 272 constituencies in Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

Meanwhile, nearly 30,000 councilorship aspirants await results for 3,960 wards, with about 11,880 expected to proceed.

Speculation has grown online, with unverified claims suggesting some political veterans have been eliminated.

CCM’s Secretary for Ideology, Publicity and Training, Mr Amos Makalla, dismissed such reports, insisting “no one has been removed.”

Beyond rumours, concerns remain over unethical tactics including character smearing and use of “shadow candidates”, issues previously highlighted by CCM’s Ideology and Publicity Secretary in Zanzibar, Mr Khamis Mbeto Khamis.

He warned such behaviour would be scrutinised at higher vetting levels.

Additionally, the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) has deployed regional teams to monitor the process and investigate bribery allegations.

One area under surveillance is the alleged use of mobile money agents by some aspirants to distribute cash to delegates, violating party regulations and national electoral laws.

Once the Central Committee finalises the shortlist, successful candidates will campaign internally, travelling ward to ward to garner votes from party delegates.

Parliamentary and councillorship candidates will present agendas at general meetings including CCM branch and ward chairs, secretaries, and members of political and implementation committees.

This stage is often tense, as some hopefuls fail to make the cut, occasionally sparking disputes between those accepting the outcome and those challenging it.

Traditionally, CCM uses this period not only to select candidates but also to address internal rifts and promote party unity ahead of national polls.

Names to be publicly disclosed

A Central Committee member confirmed to Mwananchi that names would be read aloud and shared publicly via social media and other communication channels once the meeting concludes.

“They will be publicly announced, posted online, and sent to lower party organs for ward-level introductions,” said the source on conditions of anonymity.

Shortlisted candidates will then contest party primaries, from which one will be endorsed to fly the CCM flag in their constituency, House of Representatives or ward.

Another anonymous committee member said party leadership was committed to releasing names without unnecessary delay.

“With a tight schedule, I don’t expect delays. Once names are ready, the publicity secretary will publish them, and the next phase will proceed,” the source added.

Asked about key criteria considered during final selection, the member cited loyalty to party principles, popularity within and outside the party, integrity, personal conduct and grassroots committee recommendations.

“It’s possible a candidate wasn’t recommended by ward, district or regional committees, but if the Secretariat sees potential, they can still forward the name to the CC. It’s an unpredictable process,” the source said.

Hopefuls hold their breath

One parliamentary aspirant from Arusha admitted the process has been emotionally taxing.

“Honestly, the pressure is unbearable. I have no idea whether my name will be on the list. We’re just praying now, especially since the whole process has been so secretive,” said the hopeful, who cleared district and regional vetting stages.

Another aspirant from Mwanza said his sources confirmed he passed the district stage but faced obstacles at regional level.

“I don’t know if senior leaders noticed me. This is a huge party, and they receive all kinds of information, including negative rumours. They’re now reviewing each file thoroughly. Let’s wait and see,” said the politician seeking re-election.

At CCM’s National Congress held on January 18-19, 2025, President Samia Suluhu Hassan emphasised fairness and transparency in candidate selection.

“Those qualified should be told so. Those who aren’t should be told, ‘You fall short in these areas and aren’t suitable for our future direction.’ We must not tolerate mediocrity or select candidates based solely on popularity. There’s no room for favouritism,” she said.

Similarly, CCM Vice-Chairman (Mainland) Stephen Wasira, addressing party members in Kongwa District on 24 April 2025, stressed public opinion must be central to nomination.

“This time, CCM won’t be like a cart weighed down with unnecessary baggage. If the people say, ‘Not this one again,’ we will listen. But ultimately, the final decision lies with delegates,” said Mr Wasira.

He added CCM aims for a resounding electoral victory, requiring candidates who inspire confidence and enjoy widespread support.