CCM’s youth wing launches AI chatbot ahead of October polls

Dar es Salaam. With the October general election fast approaching, the youth wing of the ruling CCM has launched an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot designed to make the party’s manifesto more accessible to the public.

The platform, called Kijani Ilani Chatbot, was unveiled late on Monday, August 25, 2025, at a colourful event held at Mlimani City, which drew thousands of young members from across the country.

It is programmed to instantly provide information on CCM’s 2025–2030 manifesto, Vision 2050, and other development pledges.

The launch, which combined speeches with live performances from leading artists, comes just days before CCM formally kicks off its campaign on August 28, ahead of the October 29 polls.

UVCCM national chairperson Mohamed Ali Mohamed, popularly known as ‘Kawaida’, said the chatbot showed how technology could strengthen engagement with citizens.

“This tool shows young Tanzanians and the wider public what CCM has promised in its manifesto, and how those commitments are being implemented across the country,” he said.

“I urge my fellow youth to use it to understand the truth about our policies and achievements, rather than be swayed by misinformation,” added Mr Mohamed.

UVCCM Secretary-General Khalid Mwinyi described the chatbot as a milestone in digital political communication.

“It allows real-time interaction where users can ask questions and get quick, accurate responses. This is about making politics more transparent and ensuring young people see themselves as central to governance and national development,” he added.

The launch drew mixed reactions from UVCCM members present, many of whom said it would help them mobilise more effectively during the campaign.

A 26-year-old law graduate from Morogoro, Ms Neema Msuya, said the chatbot would help young voters understand CCM’s record.

“For years, manifestos have been long documents that few people read. This chatbot breaks them down for us. It lets young women like me engage with politics on our phones, in language we understand,” she said.

Another member, boda-boda rider Joseph Magesa from Mwanza, said the platform would help counter political rumours spread on social media.

“In my job, people discuss politics daily. Now I can fact-check using the chatbot and explain to customers what CCM has delivered in areas such as roads and health. That gives me confidence to campaign,” he said.

For others, the chatbot was also seen as a tool for accountability, with a final-year university student from Dar es Salaam, Ms Rehema Chiduo, saying:

“This is not just for campaigning. It allows us to track whether promises are kept. It’s a two-way tool, information for us, but also pressure on leaders to deliver.”

Political analysts believe the use of AI in political mobilisation could reshape Tanzania’s electoral landscape.

Political scientist, Dr Hamza Msofe, said CCM was positioning itself as a party that embraces modern communication tools to appeal to young voters.

“Nearly 70 percent of Tanzanians are under 35. If the ruling party can translate complex policies into accessible digital tools, it can connect more effectively with this critical voter base,” he observed.

He added that the chatbot could also help reduce disinformation, a growing concern during elections.

“By offering a centralised, verified source of party information, CCM is taking a smart approach to counter fragmented online narratives,” noted Dr Msofe.

UVCCM leaders said the chatbot is part of broader preparations for CCM’s official campaign launch on August 28, 2025, which will include a nationwide youth march under the theme ‘October, we tick, the future without stress’.

As the country braces for high-stakes polls, the chatbot is being framed as both a campaign tool and a governance innovation.

“This is about harnessing digital platforms to promote political education, democracy, and civic engagement,” Mwinyi stressed.

“As youth, we are determined to be at the forefront, ensuring CCM secures victory once again,” he added.

Whether the platform will sway undecided voters remains unclear, but for thousands of UVCCM members, its unveiling signalled how technology is reshaping Tanzania’s political landscape.