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Key battlegrounds emerge as Tanzania’s ruling CCM heads to heated primaries
What you need to know:
- On August 4, 2025, the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) will conduct its internal party elections to select parliamentary candidates in various constituencies, with some races shaping up to be fierce showdowns between political heavyweights.
Dar es Salaam. In these constituencies, the political heat is already at boiling point. That is how one might summarise the high-stakes races expected in the ruling party’s upcoming primaries.
On August 4, 2025, the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) will conduct its internal party elections to select parliamentary candidates in various constituencies, with some races shaping up to be fierce showdowns between political heavyweights.
In certain areas, however, the nomination process will be a formality, as only one candidate has expressed interest, leaving the task of endorsement to party delegates, who will vote either 'yes' or 'no' before names are submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for official nomination.
The contests follow the conclusion of the vetting process by the CCM Central Committee, which met on Monday, July 28, to review and approve parliamentary aspirants—both for constituencies and special seats. This followed earlier reviews by district and regional party committees.
Among the most closely watched races is Makambako constituency in Njombe Region, where incumbent MP Deo Sanga faces stiff competition from the former Songwe Regional Commissioner, Daniel Chongolo. Chongolo also previously served as CCM’s Secretary General and held district commissioner posts in Longido and Kinondoni.
Another hot contest is expected in Kinondoni, where current MP Abbas Tarimba is up against eight challengers, including former MP Iddi Azzan (2015–2020), Wilfred Nyamwija, Michael Wambura, Jerusa Kitoto, Julieth Rushuli, Wangota Salum, and Zena Kiputiputi.
In Chemba constituency in Dodoma Region, the race includes former MP Juma Nkamia, outgoing special seats MP Kunti Majala, journalist Hamis Mkotya—who has made several unsuccessful attempts before—Omar Futon and Francis Julius.
In Geita Urban, the Central Committee has cleared five candidates: incumbent Constantine Kanyasu, former special seats MP Upendo Peneza, former regional and district commissioner Gabriel Robert, John Saulo and Chacha Wambura.
The outgoing MP Jesca Msambatavangu will face former MP for Iringa Urban from 2010 to 2020, Mr Peter Msigwa, along with Fadhil Ngajilo, Edward Chengula, Islam Huwel and Moses Ambindwile.
In Bunda Urban, incumbent MP Chacha Maboto is up against four rivals, including former MP and outgoing special seats legislator Ester Bulaya. Bulaya served as MP for the same constituency from 2015 to 2020 under Chadema but lost in 2020 to Maboto. Now both contest under the CCM banner, alongside Kambarage Wasira, Joseph Buluba, and Exavery Rugina.
In Sengerema, incumbent Hamis Tabasamu will battle former MP William Ngeleja—who lost the 2020 primaries—as well as Martin Lubango, Omar Nigura, Wilson Shimo, Joshua Shimiyu, and Rachel Nyarusanda.
The Buchosa race features current MP Eric Shigongo facing off with Dr Charles Tizeba, a former MP for the same constituency, and other aspirants Nandi James, Kelebe Luteli, Jackline Milazi, and Leonard Masai.
In Namtumbo constituency (Ruvuma Region), incumbent Vita Kawawa is up against former Mbeya RC Dr Juma Homera, Dr Sharif Ngonyani, Mussa Chowo, and Shaibu Majiwa.
Nyasa will also witness a competitive race between sitting MP Stella Manyanya and former Mbeya City Director John Nchimbi. Others cleared in the race are Johnes Liombo, Duwa Chengula, John Kapinga, and Stanley Mahundi.
In Shinyanga Urban, incumbent Patrobas Katambi faces former MP Stephen Masele. During the 2020 primaries, Masele was eliminated as Katambi secured the party's nomination. The two now face off again alongside Paul Blandy, Hassan Fatiu, Abubakar Mukadamu, Eustad Ngatale, and Hosea Karume.
In Singida West, Finance Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba will compete against Jumbe Katala, Michael Lemmy, and Emiliana Samson.
In Makete, incumbent MP Festo Sanga is expected to face strong opposition from former Dar es Salaam Regional Administrative Secretary Toba Nguvila, former MP Prof Norman Msigala, Award Mpandila, and Selina Msigwa.
Five aspirants face no challengers
While many constituencies are gearing up for tight races, some aspirants are running unopposed and will only require a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote from CCM members to secure nomination.
These include Deputy Prime Minister Dr Doto Biteko in Bukombe, Hemed Suleiman Abdullah (Zanzibar’s Second Vice President) in Kiwani, and Hamad Hassan Chande, a member of CCM’s Central Committee, in Kojani.
Also running unopposed are Salma Kikwete in Mchinga and Ridhiwani Kikwete in Chalinze.
As the August 4 primaries approach, all eyes remain on CCM’s key battlegrounds, where political careers may be made—or undone—by party ballots.
