Dar es Salaam. On Monday, the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) concluded a week-long campaign in which nominated party cadres competed in parliamentary, Zanzibar House of Representative and councilor primaries. The winners, if approved by relevant party organs, will represent the CCM—which has held power for over six decades—in the upcoming October 28, 2025 general elections.
Despite many areas showing that the process went smoothly, some areas were marred by irregularities and even violence, with members expressing dissatisfaction over the exercise’s organization. Others protested the disqualification of their preferred candidates including incumbent lawmakers — by party organs.
In Simiyu, residents of Kisesa constituency protested the disqualification of their former MP, Luhaga Mpina, during CCM’s preliminary nomination process. Mpina, known for his outspoken criticism of the government, saw many supporters link his exclusion to his critical stance toward the administration
Protesters condemned the approved candidate list, demanding CCM leadership reinstate Mpina to the ballot. They framed their appeal as a defense of democratic principles, insisting voters should retain the right to choose their preferred representative without restriction.
The same discontent emerged in Mbulu, Manyara, where residents protested CCM’s disqualification of multiple parliamentary hopefuls for Mbulu Rural constituency – including former MP Flatei Gregory. Joining the chorus of dissent, locals have petitioned party leadership to restore Gregory’s candidacy, insisting voters should determine their representative without restriction.
READ MORE: CCM Special Seat Hopefuls Await Final Nod from Top Party Organs as Constituency Contests Begin Today
Clashes also erupted in Sirari town in Mara when CCM delegates, including ten cell leaders, were barred from entering a nomination meeting. Protesters claimed authorities had illegally scrubbed their names from the official candidate roster and substituted others without explanation or due process.
The delegates alleged the CCM Ward Secretary authorised unauthorised changes to the candidate list, resulting in last-minute disqualifications. As of press time, the situation remained unresolved while awaiting response from party leadership, potentially affecting the primary election schedule.
On August 3, 2025, clashes were also reported in Dar es Salaam’s Upanga West Ward, where CCM councilor aspirant Khallil Karim alleged an assault by individuals he identified as associates of his primary election rivals. Police responded to the scene and detained several suspects for questioning at Selander Police Station. All detainees were later released.
Violence
The CCM nomination process was further disrupted by violence in some areas, including the alleged abduction of the wife of Dr Godwin Mollel, the outgoing Deputy Health Minister and parliamentary aspirant for Siha constituency.
In a video statement circulated to the media, Dr Mollel accused a fellow party candidate, whom he did not name, of orchestrating both the alleged abduction and subsequent assault. The incident occurred amid growing tensions during the ruling party’s primaries in Moshi.
“Siha District Police Commander SSP Zakia Shuma worked from 11 PM until dawn to apprehend the suspects,” Dr. Mollel stated. “Five youths have been arrested, with three more still at large.”
In Njombe, a vehicle belonging to Anthony Mawata, a CCM councilor aspirant for Igwachanya ward in Wanging’ombe District, was reportedly set ablaze by unknown assailants in the early hours of August 4, 2025. The arson incident occurred just hours before delegates were scheduled to conduct the nomination vote to select the party’s sole councilor candidate.
Also, police in Tarime Urban constituency detained several youths allegedly connected to parliamentary aspirant Michael Kembaki, following reports of an attempted abduction. The suspects were apprehended while allegedly targeting Alicia (single name), a businesswoman and government employee at Rebu Center.
Authorities reported the suspects were found in possession of traditional weapons and communication devices. Investigators allege the group attempted to pass as police officers, utilizing radio call signs and what appeared to be official uniforms during the incident.
Bribery
Reports also emerged indicating potential misconduct in the nomination process, including the detention of Elisha Samo, aide to former Tarime Urban MP Michael Mwita Kembaki, by Tanzania’s Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB). The official is being questioned regarding alleged unauthorised political meetings that reportedly violated CCM’s campaign regulations.
READ MORE: Defectors to CCM from ‘Group of 19 MPs’ Pass Central Committee Vetting
Six individuals were also detained in Nzega district, Tabora region on suspicion of bribing party delegates to secure favourable voting.
Tabora Regional Commissioner Paul Chacha said the suspects were apprehended during a midnight operation while allegedly distributing over Sh16 million inside a vehicle, which has also been impounded.
“The money is believed to have come from one of the parliamentary aspirants who is currently at large and being pursued by security forces,” Chacha stated.
Despite these incidents, the nomination exercise proceeded largely peacefully and in an orderly manner, with CCM delegates actively participating in meetings across the country.
As of this reporting, results from the party primaries continue to be announced—a process expected to take several more hours before finalisation.
