CCM named a 32-member team comprising leaders in government and party apparatchiks who will traverse the width and breadth of the country to market their candidate ahead of the October 25 poll.
Dar es Salaam. The campaign strategy for the ruling party’s candidate for the presidency, Dr John Pombe Magufuli, took shape yesterday with the unveiling of the line-up of the team that will spearhead his bid to succeed President Jakaya Kikwete.
CCM named a 32-member team comprising leaders in government and party apparatchiks who will traverse the width and breadth of the country to market their candidate ahead of the October 25 poll. The party will once again rely on its indefatigable secretary general, Mr Abdulrahman Kinana, to chair the team in a drive to deliver results for Dr Magufuli, who will likely face a stiff challenge from former Prime Minister Edward Lowassa—who is contesting on the opposition Chadema ticket.
Mr Kinana is famed for his organisational prowess within CCM and led the last two General Election campaigns for the outgoing president. He delivered victories— including the record breaking one in 2005. Mr Kikwete was elected with over 84 per cent of the vote.
It was Mr Kinana that President Kikwete turned to after the 2010 elections to assume the post of party secretary-general amid signs that the independence party was losing its appeal on the national stage. CCM got a scare in that poll and Mr Kikwete posted 64 per cent of the vote.
This year’s election could be the most challenging yet. Mr Lowassa, who defected from CCM last month and bagged the ticket for the opposition coalition, Ukawa, has enjoyed massive public interest in recent meetings held in Mbeya, Arusha, Zanzibar and Mwanza. The former CCM top cadre turned rival has vowed to unseat CCM and defeat Dr Magufuli.
The ruling party is not taking the challenge lightly and yesterday’s line up gave a glimpse of what the public should expect from the campaign platform.
On August 23, President Kikwete will lead the launch of the national campaign for Dr Magufuli at Dar es Salaam’s Jangwani grounds. The opposition is also expected to launch its own campaign the same weekend, also in Dar es Salaam.
The contest pits both experienced and youthful faces. It has also taken on board rabble rousers, throwing an element of surprise into the mix.
The party also roped in virtually all the CCM presidential aspirants who lost out to Dr Magufuli but for a few, such as Ambassador Amina Salim Ali, who was among the top three finalists. They include Samuel Sitta and Dr Harrison Mwakyembe who were famously behind the Richmond scandal Parliamentary investigative report that forced Mr Lowassa to resign. Being ropped in is apointer to what to expect as Richmond is a sticking campaign point.
According to CCM Publicity and Ideology Secretary Nape Nnauye, Mr Kinana will be assisted by CCM deputy secretary general (mainland) Rajabu Luhavi and his Zanzibar counterpart Vuai Ali Vuai.
Those who unsuccessfully bid for the presidency and are now included in the team are Dr Asha-Rose Migiro, who was the second runner-up, Mr Samuel Sitta, Mr Mwigulu Nchemba, Dr Harrison Mwakyembe and Mr January Makamba.
Others are Mr Stephen Wassira, Mr Lazaro Nyalandu, Mr Makongoro Nyerere and Mr Bernard Membe.
CCM Women’s Wing Chairperson Sofia Simba, who openly criticised the ruling party’s Central Committee for disqualifying Mr Lowassa in the race for presidential candidate’s nomination, is also part of the team.
Other members of the team include Mr Mohamed Seif Khatib, Mr Nnauye, Ms Amina Makilagi, Mr Christopher ole Sendeka, Mr Abdallah Bulembo, Ms Hadija Aboud and Mr Mohamed Aboud.
Also on the list are Mr Issa Haji Ussi, Ms Waride Bakari Jabu, Mr Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Mr Shamsi Vuai Nahodha, Ms Maua Daftari, Mr Stephen Masele and Ms Pindi Chana.
The list is completed by Mr Shaka Shaka, Mr Sadifa Juma Khamis, Mr Antony Diallo, Mr Livingston Lusinde and Ms Ummy Mwalimu.
