CCM urges Tanzanians to reject divisive politics ahead of General Election
Zanzibar / Arusha. The ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has called on Tanzanians to reject divisive politics as the nation prepares for the 2025 General Election, warning against efforts to disrupt the peace and unity that have long defined the country.
In separate statements from Zanzibar and Arusha, senior party officials cautioned political actors against exploiting religion, ethnicity, or regionalism to influence voters or undermine national cohesion.
Speaking in Unguja, the party’s Secretary for Ideology, Publicity and Training in CCM’s Special NEC Committee, Mr Khamis Mbeto Khamis, stressed that the country’s hard-won unity must not be taken for granted.
“No one has succeeded—and no one will succeed—in dividing Tanzanians based on religion, ethnicity or regional identity,” Mr Mbeto said.
“Our peace and unity are a shared legacy, built through the sacrifices of our founding leaders and generations of citizens,” he added.
Mr Mbeto emphasised that safeguarding national harmony is the responsibility of not only leaders but also ordinary citizens across the country.
“Tanzania was built through the collective efforts of all communities, faiths, and ethnic groups. That unity is the foundation of our progress,” he said.
He warned against rising attempts by certain individuals to sow discord for political gain, noting Tanzanians are alert to the dangers such rhetoric poses.
Referring to conflicts in neighbouring countries, he said: “We have witnessed the devastation caused by religious and ethnic divisions elsewhere. Tanzanians will not sit idly by and allow our country to slide into chaos.”
As campaigning intensifies, Mr Mbeto urged political leaders to focus on policy-driven, respectful debate.
“Let us discuss issues—not identities. Those who choose divisive paths will find themselves isolated by a public that values peace,” he said.
In Arusha, the CCM Secretary for Ideology, Publicity and Training in the Mainland, Mr Amos Makalla, expressed similar views while addressing residents of Kisongo, Arumeru District, during his tour of the northern regions of Manyara, Arusha, and Kilimanjaro.
Mr Makalla warned against politicians exploiting community tensions, highlighting CCM’s role as a founding guardian of peace in Tanzania.
“Reject politicians who incite unrest in regions like Arusha. Peace is the backbone of development—especially in sectors like tourism, which heavily supports this region,” he said.
He also underscored that national development is nonpartisan.
“Access to water, electricity, and healthcare does not depend on your political affiliation. Service delivery should remain a unifying factor, not a divisive one,” he said.
Citing achievements under CCM’s election manifesto in Arumeru West, Mr Makalla said ongoing projects in education and water infrastructure demonstrate the party’s commitment to fulfilling its promises, despite existing challenges.
“Our performance in local government elections is proof of public confidence in CCM. We will continue to implement transformative projects across all sectors,” he insisted.
The officials’ remarks come amid growing political activity ahead of the October general election, with CCM positioning itself as the party of continuity, stability, and peace.
