CCM warns members involved in premature election campaigns

Dodoma. CCM secretary-general Emmanuel Nchimbi warned party members using unapproved tactics to secure parliamentary and civic nomination, saying they risk disqualification.

Opening a training seminar for the party’s ward and branch secretaries from Dodoma District in Dodoma, Dr Nchimbi said some CCM aspirants have been holding memorial events, including birthday celebrations, commemorations for deceased relatives and weddings, where they distribute allowances to attendees. 

Others have gone as far as setting up non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to tour various regions with the aim of promoting their candidacy for upcoming elections.

“Some claim to be hosting memorials for their deceased relatives, inviting thousands of attendees while distributing allowances. Others are using birthdays and weddings as a guise to campaign, while ensuring attendees wear CCM colours. This is not acceptable,” Dr Nchimbi said.

He said that these actions violate the party’s regulations and will not be tolerated. 

Dr Nchimbi also reminded party members that CCM has a system in place to monitor such events and that anyone attempting to bypass the proper channels will face consequences.

“I want them to know that CCM is keeping track of every event they organise. We will disqualify those who think they can use these tactics to get ahead,” he warned.

This warning echoes previous remarks by the CCM chairperson, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who also condemned early campaigning during a General Assembly meeting in Dodoma. 

President Samia had stressed that such actions were against the party’s guidelines and could lead to disqualification.

“We are receiving complaints and evidence of people organising parades under the pretext of other events, but with the hidden agenda of introducing themselves to party members. I urge those engaged in this practice to cease immediately,” President Samia said.

The warning comes as Tanzania’s 12th Parliament is set to be dissolved in June 2025 to pave the way for the general elections in October 2025, including parliamentary, councillor and presidential elections. 

With election season approaching, aspiring candidates are intensifying their efforts to secure positions, often bending the rules in the process.

Dr Nchimbi also addressed the growing trend of individuals establishing NGOs as a means of bribing potential voters and party officials. 

He stated that while giving allowances is not prohibited, it should not be used as a ploy to win political favour.

“We are aware of the NGOs circulating around, offering bribes under the guise of charity work. We will continue to monitor them. Those who think distributing money will secure them a leadership position in CCM are mistaken,” he said.

The CCM secretary-general emphasised that such corrupt practices undermine the party’s efforts to maintain integrity in the selection of candidates.

“We are committed to ensuring that CCM candidates are selected based on their ability to serve the people, not based on their financial influence,” Dr Nchimbi said.

He also discussed recent changes within the party’s election processes, highlighting an increase in voter participation at the ward and district levels, with the number of voters now up by 900 percent. 

This expansion is aimed at ensuring that more voices from local communities are heard in the nomination process.

“We have made these changes to ensure that our candidates are chosen based on merit and community support, not on financial influence,” he said.

Meanwhile, political analysts have raised concerns about the impact of self-promotion tactics and corruption on Tanzania’s democratic processes.

Dr Lazaro Swai, a political scientist from Tumaini University, said it was important for members to adhere to party regulations and avoiding unethical campaign strategies.

“While it is common for politicians to seek visibility, they must respect the rules of their party. Self-promotion through illegal means, such as bribery, will only lead to disqualification,” Dr Swai said.

Mr Majjid Said, a political science analyst, warned that if these practices continue, they could lead to divisions within political parties and increase corruption, ultimately undermining the democratic process.

“If self-promotion is allowed to continue unchecked, what will prevail is the power of money, not the will of the people,”he said.