Prime
Surprises mark CCM nomination deadline as big names vie for seats
What you need to know:
- The ruling party’s nomination process also comes with a long list of former cabinet ministers, including those that had been out of the political spotlight
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s ruling party, CCM, closed its window for receiving and returning nomination forms from aspirants seeking the party’s endorsement in October’s general election on Wednesday, capping a dramatic window marked by unexpected announcements, political comebacks and bold moves by public servants.
The biggest surprise came from Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, who announced that he will not seek re-election as Member of Parliament for Ruangwa, Lindi Region, a seat he has held since 2010.
Speaking before regional and district CCM political committees in Ruangwa on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, Mr Majaliwa said he was stepping aside to give others a chance to lead. “It’s time for the unity we have built to be carried forward by other development-minded Ruangwa residents,” he said.
He added: “Let them carry the torch so that our motto ‘Ruangwa for development is possible’ can live on.” He expressed gratitude to the people of Ruangwa for their support over the past 15 years and urged them to stand by whichever candidate the party nominates for the seat.
Mr Majaliwa also took the opportunity to thank President Samia Suluhu Hassan and CCM’s top leadership for trusting him with the role of serving Ruangwa.
His decision not to seek re-election marks a significant turning point for the constituency and raises speculation about the Prime Minister’s future political trajectory. When he spoke in the Parliament on June 26, 2025, Mr Majaliwa said he would seek reelection as Ruangwa MP.
Apart from Mr Majaliwa, Mr Luhaga Mpina may also have surprised many when he turned up to pick nominations forms to defend his Kisesa Parliamentary seat just hours before the deadline on Wednesday.
His decision to seek reelection sets the stage for a political battle with CRDB Bank’s Lake Zone Manager, Lusingi Sitta.
The surprise in Mr Mpina’s case comes due to the fact that just last month, his tenure as MP was met with a heated criticism from President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
When the President visited Kisesa last month, Mr Mpina delivered a speech at a public rally, claiming that the President still owes development to the Kisesa constituency.
That statement challenged a common narrative among CCM MPs, who often assert that the population owes gratitude to President Hassan for everything that has already been implemented.
And, in response, President Hassan accused Mr Mpina of simply seeking popularity, saying the issues he was asking for could be addressed in Parliament.
She further said that Mpina was not fit to be a constituency member of parliament, highlighting his failure to mention key developments done at the constituent level by the government.
Another surprise is Mr Masanja Kadogosa, who played a key role in overseeing the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) during his tenure as director general of the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC), and in ushering in electric-powered trains.
While many had expected him to settle into the task of overseeing train operations, he chose a different path. He resigned and is now seeking CCM’s endorsement to contest the Bariadi Rural parliamentary seat.
The list of surprises also includes Mr Wilson Mahera, who collected nomination forms to contest the Butiama parliamentary seat.
Mr Mahera previously served as director of Elections at the National Electoral Commission (NEC) during the 2020 polls and was later appointed Deputy Permanent Secretary at the President’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government – PO- RALG).
The ruling party’s nomination process also comes with a long list of former cabinet ministers, including those that had been out of the political spotlight since serving under the fourth and fifth phase governments of Presidents Jakaya Kikwete and the late John Magufuli. The list include former minister for Energy and Minerals, Mr William Ngeleja who is vying for the Sengerema seat; former Deputy Minister, PO- RALG and former Tabora Regional Commissioner, Mr Aggrey Mwanri who is seeking to reclaim the Siha seat and former Deputy Minister in the Vice President’s Office, Mr Stephen Masele, who wants to return as MP for Shinyanga Urban.
Mr Lazaro Nyalandu, who served as Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism before defecting to Chadema in 2017 and later returning to CCM, is eyeing Ilongero constituency while another minister in the same ministry, Ezekiel Maige, is contesting in Msalala. Former minister for Home Affairs, Mr Lawrence Masha, is seeking the Nyamagana seat while former minister for Agriculture, Dr Charles Tizeba, wants to reclaim the Buchosa seat.
Also read: Nomination process for Tanzania’s ruling party kicks off amid return of political heavyweights
Other notable former ministers in the race include Kangi Lugola, Dr Titus Kamani, Godfrey Zambi, Mary Mwanjelwa, Charles Kitwanga, Dr Steven Kabwe and Christopher Chiza.
The growing trend of senior government officials transitioning into partisan politics has stirred unease among analysts.
“This blurs the lines between public service and political ambition. When those still in public service pursue political office, it undermines neutrality and public trust in state institutions,” said a political scientist at the University of Dodoma, Dr Paul Loisulie.
His sentiment was echoed by political analyst from the State University of Zanzibar, Prof Makame Ali Ussi, who cautioned that the practice could discourage young professionals from believing in the integrity of public institutions.
For his part, a political analyst from the University of Dar es Salaam, Dr Richard Mbunda, said while there is no law barring civil servants or former officials from vying for office, such trends are unhealthy in a maturing democracy.
“The optics are troubling. When too many senior officials jump ship into politics, the perception becomes that civil service is merely a stepping stone to political nominations,” Dr Mbunda said.
As if that weren’t enough, the nomination window also saw surprise political returns.
Former East African MP, James Ole Millya, once a Chadema member, re-emerged seeking CCM’s nod to contest the Simanjiro seat in Manyara Region—where he’s expected to face off with political heavyweight, Christopher Ole Sendeka.
Meanwhile, a wave of celebrity aspirants also jumped into the fray. Popular musician and radio presenter, Baba Levo and media personality Burton Mwemba famously known as Mwijaku are among several artists who collected nomination forms, signalling a continued intersection between arts and politics in Tanzania.
A political analyst at the University of Dar es Salaam, Dr Onesmo Kyauke, says the growing trend of celebrity candidacies reflects CCM’s evolving campaign strategy.
“Though it shows that nowadays collecting a MP’s nomination form from CCM is like a trend-chasing act, it at least shows that people know their rights, they are not afraid like back in a days and they are brave enough to contest that’s a good sign.
And it’s part of a broader attempt to tap into the youth vote and social media influence,” he said.
He added: “But the question remains—how prepared are these individuals to legislate and serve effectively?”
The opposition also finds itself facing internal dilemmas, as nineteen former Chadema MPs who once held Special Seats in Parliament have now scattered—some reportedly seeking CCM tickets.
The mass defection has further fractured the opposition camp and could complicate their preparations for 2025. Among the notable defectors are former Special Seats MPs Ester Bulaya and Cecilia Pareso, who have returned under the CCM banner.
Bulaya has collected nomination forms to contest the Bunda Urban parliamentary seat, while Pareso is eyeing the Karatu seat in Arusha Region, both on CCM tickets. Their moves add to a wave of defection and political realignment that has characterised this year’s nomination process.
“We are witnessing a strategic repositioning as politicians seek safety and success within CCM’s vast political machinery. But this trend could erode pluralism and political competition,” said Dr Loisulie.
