The ruling party of Tanzania, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has chosen to continue with its current leaders for the next presidential election. This decision means that those hoping to contest for the presidency under CCM will have to wait another five years.

At the CCM National Congress in Dodoma, all delegates agreed to nominate President Samia Suluhu Hassan for the Union presidency and President Hussein Ali Hassan Mwinyi for Zanzibar.

The decision was based on a recommendation by former President Jakaya Kikwete, who served from 2005 to 2015.

During the congress, Kikwete reminded delegates that every party has its own nomination process and that CCM must follow its procedures.

He gave Namibia as an example, where a candidate is selected a year before elections. Delegates showed strong support for President Hassan and President Mwinyi by cheering and applauding multiple times during his speech.

Kikwete emphasized that while the decision could be made at the congress, it must still follow the legal process to avoid any future issues. He recalled his own nomination in 2005, explaining that CCM must ensure its internal rules align with national laws. He then suggested drafting a formal resolution to document the decision clearly.

Following this, President Hassan instructed the CCM Secretariat to prepare and present the resolution for approval. Delegates welcomed the announcement with applause as preparations began to confirm both candidates officially.

After the resolution for President Hassan was finalized, the Executive Committee also met to confirm the nomination of Dr. Hussein Mwinyi for Zanzibar’s presidency. The announcement was met with cheers from the delegates.

Outside the meeting hall, National Congress delegate George Ruhoro said the discussion about CCM’s presidential candidates was now over. He declared that anyone hoping to run for presidency under CCM should forget it because the decision had been made.

Ruhoro explained that the decision was influenced by Tanzanians' approval of the leaders’ performance. He stated that people could see the impact of the government’s work, whether through sight, hearing, or personal experience.

He added that the best way to reward the leaders was to let them continue their work for the country's development.

Another delegate, Njombe Urban MP Deo Mwanyika, supported the early nomination, saying it allowed the party to start informing citizens about its candidates without uncertainty. He mentioned that CCM members had seen evidence of ongoing development projects and were impressed.

Professor Adolf Mkenda, another congress delegate, said there was no real competition for these positions because people appreciate good leadership. He suggested that if they had to explain everything the two leaders had accomplished, it would take an entire day.

Political analysts also weighed in on the decision. Thomas Byemelwa, a political analyst, stated that CCM follows a structured process different from other parties. He explained that the party evaluates candidates based on their success in implementing the manifesto. He added that CCM likely felt no threat from opposition parties, allowing them to announce their candidates early.

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Comparing the situation to football, Byemelwa said that coaches usually do not reveal their teams early to avoid giving opponents an advantage. However, CCM appeared confident enough to do so.

Dr. Moses Chaula from the University of Dar es Salaam said that CCM delegates hold great power and their unanimous decision showed their approval of the two presidents. He also dismissed rumors of division within CCM, stating that the strong support for the leaders proved the party’s unity.

Overall, CCM’s decision reflects its trust in President Hassan and President Mwinyi, ensuring continuity in leadership and government policies for the next term.