CCM drops two ministers and other heavyweights ahead of Zanzibar primaries
What you need to know:
- According to CCM’s internal schedule, primaries for special seats will be held on July 30, 2025, followed by House of Representatives and parliamentary primaries on August 4. Successful candidates will represent CCM in the October 29 general election, where they will face nominees from other political parties.
Unguja. At least seven prominent political figures, including two cabinet ministers, have been excluded from Chama Cha Mapinduzi’s (CCM) nomination list ahead of the party’s internal primaries set for August 4, 2025.
Among those who failed to secure a spot in the shortlist released on July 29 are Shaib Hassan Kaduara, the Minister of Water, Energy and Minerals, who served as the representative for Chakechake in Pemba, and Masoud Ali Mohamed, the Minister in the President’s Office responsible for Regional Administration and Special Departments, who represented Ole.
Also missing from the list is Jamal Kassim Ali, a former minister who previously held positions in the President’s Office for Finance and Planning, as well as State House. He was the outgoing representative for Magomeni constituency before being removed from cabinet.
The changes also affect other constituencies. In Tumbatu, outgoing representative Haji Omar Kheri has not been renominated, with Mohamoud Omar Hamad and Mtumweni Ali Saleh emerging as new contenders.
In Kiwani, incumbent Mussa Foum Mussa has been replaced on the list by Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, who currently serves as Zanzibar’s Second Vice President.
Others who failed to return include Abdulla Khamis Kombo, the outgoing representative for Mkoani and former Chairman of the House of Representatives, as well as Miraji Khamis Mussa, the outgoing representative for Chumbuni.
Performance, discipline likely behind shakeup
Political observers say the exclusion of such high-ranking officials reflects a combination of factors, including performance records, internal party discipline, and shifting political tides within the ruling party.
“Such outcomes are not unusual in politics,” said Ali Makame, a political analyst focusing on Zanzibar affairs. “When someone joins political life, their ability to return often depends on the strength of their performance and public image.”
Quoting a Swahili proverb, he added, “Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza”— loosely translated as ‘a good thing sells itself, a bad thing must be advertised.’ “If you forget the mission that brought you into politics, it’s only a matter of time before that catches up with you.”
Makame noted that ethical concerns and loyalty to the party also play a critical role in candidate selection. “A lack of discipline toward the party and the government can lead to disqualification—regardless of the office held.”
Another analyst, Kassim Juma Khamis, echoed the sentiment, suggesting that the absence of ministers’ names from the list may signal behind-the-scenes decisions made to preserve the party’s integrity.
“Sometimes, certain conduct by leaders—though not publicly disclosed—could damage the government’s image if exposed. To avoid unnecessary controversy, the party opts to quietly sideline them,” he said.
He urged party members participating in the primaries to focus on merit and the ability to drive change. “Voters should look beyond personal loyalty or emotion and support candidates with clear vision, credibility, and the capacity to represent the party effectively.”
What’s Next
According to CCM’s internal schedule, primaries for special seats will be held on July 30, 2025, followed by House of Representatives and parliamentary primaries on August 4. Successful candidates will represent CCM in the October 29 general election, where they will face nominees from other political parties.
The Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) has yet to release its official election timetable. As per Zanzibar’s electoral law, voting typically takes place over a two-day period.
