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At least 50 big names swept aside in CCM primaries
CCM delegates check out aspirants names before voting in party primaries in Dar es Salaam on August 4, 2025. PHOTO | CORRESPONDENT
What you need to know:
- Initial results reflect sweeping rejection of a significant number of MPs who served in the last parliament
Dar es Salaam. More than 50 immediate former MPs and several high-profile figures within the ruling CCM have lost in the party’s internal primaries held on Monday, triggering major shifts in Tanzania’s political landscape ahead of the October 29 General Election.
Although the final list of candidates awaits endorsement by CCM’s top organs, namely the Central Committee and the National Executive Council (NEC), initial results reflect a sweeping rejection of a significant number of MPs who served in the last parliament.
CCM Ilala District secretary Sylivester Yaredi said while the primaries reflect grassroots choices, confirmation of official candidates rests with the party’s higher leadership.
“Many who lost did so due to weak support or internal dynamics, but final decisions lie with the party’s top organs,” he said.
Among the most prominent casualties is immediate former Vunjo MP Charles Kimei, who lost to Mr Enock Koola.
Mr Koola received 1,999 votes against Dr Kimei’s 861. Mr Koola won in the 2020 primaries, but the party’s top organs passed him over in favour of Dr Kimei.
In Moshi Rural, Prof Patrick Ndakidemi was defeated by former district council chair Morris Makoi, who secured 2,148 votes against his closest rival’s 627.
Iringa Urban saw a crowded field, with Mr Fadhil Ngajilo winning after polling 1,899 votes. Former MP Jesca Msambatavangu trailed in fourth with 408 votes, while Rev Peter Msigwa, a recent defector from Chadema, received 477.
In Makambako, former CCM secretary-general Daniel Chongolo made defeated long-serving MP Deo Sanga. Mr Chongolo garnered 6,151 votes, while Sanga collected just 470.
Deputy minister Constantine Kanyasu was unseated in Geita Urban, where Mr Chacha Wambura narrowly beat him with 2,145 votes to 2,097. Former opposition MP Upendo Peneza, now with CCM, came third with 1,272 votes.
In the newly formed Katoro constituency, Kija Ntemi won with 2,134 votes, defeating Ester James (2,075) and Tumaini Magesa, who came third.
In Tabora Urban, immediate former MP Emmanuel Mwakasaka received just 228 votes, with Mr Shabani Mrutu winning a landslide 6,612. Other contenders included Hawa Mwaifunga (326) and Kisamba Tambwe (395).
In Lindi Urban, Ms Hamida Abdalla lost to Mr Mohamed Utali, who earned 1,474 votes. Ms Abdalla managed only 876.
In Namtumbo, long-time MP Vita Kawawa was defeated by former Mbeya Regional Commissioner Juma Zuberi Homera, who secured a dominant 11,836 votes to Kawawa’s 852.
In Nyasa, Ms Stella Manyanya, who started as Special Seats MP for 10 years and later went to grab the Nyasa Constituency after the death of John Komba in 2015, suffered a crushing defeat. Mr John Nchimbi received 9,157 votes, while Ms Manyanya got just 548.
In Kyerwa, Mr Innocent Bilakwate lost to Mr Khalid Nsekela, who gained 5,693 votes compared to Mr Bilakwate’s 1,567.
Temeke and Maswa East also saw upsets, with immediate former MPs Dorothy Kilave and Stanslaus Nyongo losing their bids for nomination.
Some former opposition figures who joined CCM, including Ms Esther Bulaya and Ms Esther Matiko, were also defeated. In Bunda Urban, Ms Bulaya lost to Mr Robert Maboto, who secured 2,545 votes against her 625. In Tarime Urban, Ms Matiko came third with 196 votes; Mr Michael Kembaki led with 1,568.
In Nzega Rural, CCM cadre Neto Kapalata defeated former MP Hamis Kigwangalla, earning 2,570 votes to Dr Kigwangalla’s 1,715.
Other notable figures who lost include Cosata Chumi (Mafinga Urban), Exaud Kigahe (Mufindi North), Ally Mlaghila (Kyela), Atupele Mwakibete (Busokelo), Oran Njeza (Mbeya Rural), Geoffrey Pinda (Kavuu) and Leah Komanya (Meatu).
Additional names on the casualty list include Jumanne Sagini (Butiama), Almas Maige (Uyui), Rehema Migilla (Ulyankulu), Samwel Hhayuma (Hanang’), Nashon Bidyanguze (Kigoma South), Aloyce Kamamba (Kakonko), Augustine Holle (Kasulu Rural), Assa Makanika (Kigoma North), Felix Kavejuru (Buhigwe), Joseph Mkundi (Ukerewe), Ally Makoa (Kondoa Urban) and Charles Kajege (Mwibara).
This comes days after CCM’s Central Committee and NEC meetings on July 28, during which at least 30 former MPs were dropped before the primaries began.
CCM Ideology and Publicity secretary Amos Makalla read out the list, which excluded several well-known figures, including January Makamba (Bumbuli), Stephen Byabato (Bukoba Urban), Anjelina Mabula (Ilemela), Pauline Gekul (Babati Urban), Christopher Ole Sendeka (Simanjiro) and Seif Gulamali (Manonga).
Also excluded were Mrisho Gambo (Arusha Urban), Lengai ole Sabaya (Arumeru West) and Luhaga Mpina, whose name was dropped from Kisesa.
According to CCM’s official schedule, candidate vetting began on August 5, starting with ward-level committees and progressing through district and regional levels.
The final list of confirmed candidates is expected by August 22, after approval by national committees.
