CCM legislators break silence after re-election bid failures

 The internal process, which concluded on August 23, saw among those eliminated seven deputy ministers.

However, some notable figures who missed out have taken to their social media platforms to express gratitude, unity, and resilience despite the outcome.

Former Tanga Urban MP, Ummy Mwalimu, who served a total of 15 years as a legislator, thanked God and her district delegates for their confidence.

 “You have been the voice of hope and proof that we still have people who prioritise the interests of citizens. These results are not the effort of one individual, but our collective work,” she posted on Instagram.

In Nzega, Dr Hamisi Kigwangalla reflected on his 15-year tenure, urging his supporters to embrace the new candidate.

 “Let us welcome with respect the one who has been nominated, encourage him, and work together to continue serving the people. I will remain a loyal and faithful CCM member,” he said. Former Geita legislator Constantine Kanyasu echoed similar sentiments, pledging support for his successor, Chacha Wambura.

“Victory for the party is victory for us all. We now have the duty to unite, forget the camps we belonged to, and cooperate in solidarity to deliver a resounding win for our party,” he wrote.

 In Moshi Urban, Priscus Tarimo, who won the primaries but was replaced by Ibrahim Shayo, congratulated his successor and promised collaboration.

“I humbly accept the decision and pledge to work hand in hand with him to ensure CCM victory and continued service to the people of Moshi,” he said. Meanwhile, the chairperson of CCM’s women’s wing (UWT), Mary Chatanda, used her own political journey to counsel those disappointed by the outcome.

She recalled how, after serving as a constituency MP, her name was struck out despite winning the primaries, an experience she described as painful but ultimately instructive.

“I chose patience, I thanked God, and I accepted the situation. Some advised me to defect, but I refused because this is my home and my party. Today, God has lifted me to serve as chairperson, something that would not have happened if I had walked away,” she said.

Her message to those who missed out was clear: “Remain calm, keep praying, and continue to serve our true party. Sometimes you do not know when God will raise you again. Be patient, because unity and loyalty will always be rewarded.”

Speaking on August 9, after collecting her presidential nomination forms from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Dodoma, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is also the ruling party’s chairperson, called on members to put divisions aside and rally behind the chosen candidates.

“When our nomination process ends, factions should also end. We return to being one so we can enter the elections united and strong,” she told CCM supporters at the party’s headquarters in Dodoma. She stressed the importance of solidarity as candidates begin their campaigns.

“These are our party candidates, and we are all in one team. Let us move forward together to ensure a decisive victory,” President Samia said.

While many of the sidelined lawmakers have expressed humility and pledged loyalty to the party, political analysts say the real test lies beyond individual statements of acceptance. They point out that the way CCM manages discontent, especially

among grassroots members who supported candidates that were eventually dropped, will determine whether the party maintains its cohesion ahead of the October polls. A political analyst at the State University of Zanzibar, Prof Makame Ali Ussi, said the party has clear criteria in deciding who fits its political agenda.

 “What matters is how they communicate these decisions internally to avoid divisions. So far, those who have spoken publicly appear ready to cooperate with those selected, which is healthy for party unity,” he observed.

For his part, Dr Paul Loisulie from the University of Dodoma warned, however, that discontent could emerge at the grassroots level. “If strong reasons were provided and well communicated to those dropped, it is acceptable.

But the problem arises when grassroots members feel their preferred candidate has been unfairly sidelined. This may push some to vote for the opposition,” he cautioned. Similarly, a political analyst from University of Dar es Salaam, Dr Onesmo Kyauke highlighted the potential risk of internal fractures.

“Elections are about giving people the power to choose their preferred leaders. When that choice appears to be undermined, it can cause resentment and divisions within the party, which could weaken its cohesion ahead of the polls,” he said.