How CCM members voted in parliamentary, civic primaries

Dar es Salaam. The ruling CCM yesterday held its party primaries to select candidates for parliamentary and civic positions ahead of the 2025 General Election, amid tight security, confusion and occasional chaos at some voting venues.

Across the country, scenes from voting centres included scuffles, security interventions, restricted access to venues and even allegations of politically motivated attacks.

In Njombe Region, a civic aspirant, Mr Anthony Mawata, suffered a major loss after unknown individuals allegedly set his car on fire. Mawata told reporters he discovered the incident at around 4am when he went to a nearby garage to collect the vehicle. He also claimed to have recognised some of the suspects and has already reported the matter to police.

Njombe Regional Police Commander Mahmoud Banga confirmed the incident and said investigations were ongoing. “We have not concluded whether the car was deliberately torched. We are still gathering facts, including from fire and rescue teams,” he said.

Meanwhile, in Kilimanjaro Region’s Siha constituency, Health deputy minister and parliamentary aspirant Godwin Mollel said his wife was attacked and his car burned in what he also suspects to be a politically motivated incident. He has since reported the matter to the police.

In Dar es Salaam’s Kawe Ward, a young man was apprehended after attempting to enter a restricted voting area without credentials. Security officers intervened, escorting him off the premises and reinforcing regulations barring unauthorised individuals from entering the venue.

The situation was tense in many areas as the primaries, meant to identify one candidate per ward and constituency, saw large turnouts and strong emotions. Delegates were required to leave the venue after voting, but in some areas, they refused, citing fears of manipulation.

In Tabata, Dar es Salaam, members defied the directive to leave after casting their votes. A supervisor’s announcement sparked protests when he said: “Delegates will cast their votes and exit the hall completely to allow the process to proceed.”

Elsewhere, in Zanzibar’s Mfenesini Constituency, controversy erupted when delegates without official CCM green-and-black attire were denied access to the voting hall. Some wore other party-branded clothing but with non-matching colours, which election supervisors argued was a breach of instructions.

Assistant election supervisor Juma Mohamed Haji acknowledged the situation, suggesting flexibility: “These are legitimate delegates and we should use wisdom and allow them to vote. Other measures can follow later.”

One of the barred members, Ms Halima Suleiman, argued that all those excluded were in party attire and should not have been denied entry. Another delegate, Suhaila Khamis Juma, said she had come despite her age and deserved respect, not humiliation.

Throughout the country, police maintained tight security to ensure order, quickly intervening where necessary and controlling unauthorised access. In several cases, delegates who attempted to force their way into venues or provoke disruptions were escorted away.

The primaries will be followed by a meeting of the party’s Central Committee to make final endorsements for parliamentary, civic and Special Seats nominations. CCM has already concluded its internal selection for special seats, with names pending approval.