CCM benches at least 30Mps as political future remains unclear

Dar es Salaam. Several incumbent Members of Parliament (MPs) have been omitted from Chama Cha Mapinduzi’s (CCM) preliminary nomination list, meaning they will not face party delegates in the upcoming internal primaries.

Their prospects of returning to Parliament now largely depend on direct appointment by the President or by seeking nomination through opposition parties.

The exclusion of these sitting MPs from CCM’s approved candidate list signals a significant reshuffle ahead of the general election scheduled for October 29, 2025. This decision followed a special meeting of the party’s Central Committee held in Dodoma on 28 July 2025, chaired by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who also serves as CCM’s National Chairperson.

The updated list was publicly released on July 29 by the party’s Ideology and Publicity Secretary, Mr Amos Makalla. It reflects what CCM described as a thorough and merit-based vetting process, aiming to strengthen the party’s slate of candidates.

He revealed that this year’s internal nomination process broke records, with a surge in aspirants competing for various political seats.

Over 5,000 candidates contested for constituency seats, while more than 30,000 sought councilorship positions, he said after the marathon meeting, which extended until 8pm.

He praised the commitment of CCM members who stepped forward to vie for parliamentary and other key positions, noting that this unprecedented turnout demonstrated growing confidence in the party’s vision and leadership.

The official also commended the ruling party’s chairperson and President Suluhu for effectively overseeing the nomination process, especially during the virtual special congress convened to amend the party constitution.

Among the amendments was the increase in the number of candidates eligible to contest per constituency, beyond the previous limit of three, which enhanced inclusivity and fairness.

“This adjustment allowed the Central Committee to conduct a more comprehensive and just selection, ensuring fairness for all aspirants,” he explained.

For those who did not secure nominations, the party urged calm and unity, reminding members that the constitutional right to contest was honoured.

They were encouraged to continue supporting CCM, as numerous other leadership roles remain available through upcoming elections.

“The high number of aspirants highlight CCM’s standing as a widely accepted party entrusted with both present and future leadership. The intensity of yesterday’s activities shows how seriously members regard the opportunity to serve,” the official added.

However, among the notable sitting MPs missing from the nomination list is Mrisho Gambo of Arusha Urban. The candidates cleared to face party delegates in this constituency include Paul Christian Makonda, Ally Said Babu, Hussein Omarhajji Gonga, Aminatha Salash Toure, Mustapha Said Nassoro, Lwembo Mghweno, and Jasper Kishumbua.

Stephen Byabato of Bukoba Urban will not appear on the ballot either on the CCM ticket. Those approved to contest the seat are Almasoud Daud Kalumna, Alex Denis Muganyizi, Jamila Hassan Emily, Johnston Mutabingwa, and Koku Fatuma Rutta.

In Ngara, Ndaisaba Ruholo is also missing from the list. Approved candidates include Stephen Nzohabonayo Kagaigai, Dotto Jasson Bahemu, Herbert Jared Mhile, Hilali Ruhundwa, Restutha Binambi, and Lameck Kumbuka Jaston.

Mohamed Monni of Chemba has not been shortlisted. Contesting instead will be Kunti Yusuph Majala, Amina Hashim Bakari, Khamis Suleiman Mkotya, Juma Selemani Nkamia, Omary Salum Futo, and Francis Mahu Julius.

In Simanjiro, Christopher Sendeka failed to make the cut. Those cleared are Mwajuma Bakari Ally, Lenana Soipey Lenganasa, James Millya, Timoth Ngoye Lengitambi, Mathayo Yaiyai Londross, and Lekoko Lemburis Ngitiri.

The race for Kisesa will not include Lugaha Mpina. The approved line-up features Lusingi Sitta Makanda, Silinde Gumada Mhachile, Joel Mchunga Mboyi, Dr Madili Sayi Sakumi, Godfrey Mbuga, Elias Mambembela, and Gambamala Luchunga.

Bumbuli’s January Makamba is another notable absentee. Likewise, Godwin Kunambi of Mlimba is out, with nominees there including Kellen Rwakatare, Dionisia Danda, Hamis Ng’ong’ozo, Joseph Lingenedeo, Andrew Alyamuhindi, Faraji Zegege, and Acley Mhenga.

Kilolo’s Justin Nyamoga has also been dropped. Contestants for that constituency are Ritha Kabati, Novat Mfalamagoha, Nathan Mnyawami, Shamdi Nzogela, Festo Kipate, and Mwalubadu Ngaga.

In Kwimba, Shanif Mansoor was left off the list. Candidates there are CPA John Mihayo Cheyo, Cosmas Bulala, Emmanuel Tayari, Dr David Mulongo, and Joel Mayunga.

In Msalala, the seat will be contested by Mabula Magangila, Ezekiel Maige, Ambrose Nakale, Ramadhani Shiganza, Edson Masondole, and Simon Lufega following the exclusion of Idi Kassim Idi.

Pauline Gekul will not be representing Babati Urban. Instead, candidates cleared for that constituency include Jones Joseph Darabe, Sophia Omari Kwaang’w, Flora Joseph Hondi, Emmanuel Khambay, Patrice Gwama, Dr Hindi Hindi, and Gabriel Salanga.

Zubery Kuchauka’s absence in Liwale paves the way for Eng. Mshamu Munde, Rashid Nganyage, Mohamed Kiganja, Halifa Kujakila, and Habiba Lyengite.

Emmanuel Ole Shangai has not been listed for Ngorongoro. Competing instead will be Prof. Kokel Letia Melumbo, Elizabeth Gibaseya, Yannick Ndoiyo, Marx Kamaoni, Rose Njilo, and Sylvanus Ole Pinda.

In Ilemela, Angelina Mabula failed to secure a spot. The names appearing there include Kafiti Kafiti, Nelson Mesha, Dr Flora Lauo, Tumaini Masuka, Emmanuel Luhemeja, Fadhili Kinyenga, Majaliwa Magonya, Willbard Kilenzi, and Resper Ngoga.

Tunduru South’s Idd Mpakate and Tunduru North’s Hasani Kungu were also excluded. For Tunduru South, those nominated are Fadhil Chilombe, Husna Kawanga, Bora Lichanda, and Mtamila Achikuo. In the North, Dr Juma Matindana, Shaibu Akwilombe, Sikudhani Chikambo, Mussa Kazembe, and Abdulkadir Issa will vie for the seat.

Vedastus Mathayo will not  return to the ballot in Musoma Urban. Vying for that seat are Mgore Kigera, Dr Eliud Esseko (Mkorea), Juma Juma, John Bwana, Philbert Sasita, and Mashaka Biswalo.

George Mwenisongole of Mbozi is also absent from the list, with Augustino Masele, Fagason Masasi, Patrick Msafi, and Isaya Kingi nominated. Nicodemas Maganga will not  be representing Mbogwe either. In his place, the list features the same four names cleared in Mbozi.

Other sitting MPs dropped include Twaha Mpembenwe (Kibiti), Shabani Shekilindi (Lushoto), Innocent Kalogeres (Morogoro South), and Flatey Maasay (Mbulu Rural). Approved names for Mbulu Rural are Festo Bayyo, Emmanuel Nuwas, Samwel Malleyeki, Grace Mali and Bahati Sulle.

Alfred Kimea has also been omitted from the contest in Korogwe Urban.

Among other notable faces that will not be in the House unless if nominated by the President or through an opposition ticket include the current Kawe MP, Mr Josephat Gwajima who did not collect nomination forms, effectively removing himself from the CCM