Dodoma. Tanzania’s ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), on Sunday January 19, 2025, nominated President Samia Suluhu Hassan as its candidate for the presidential election scheduled for October in the East African nation.
Hassan, who ascended to power in 2021 following the sudden death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, was declared CCM’s sole candidate during a weekend congress.
Shortly after her nomination, President Hassan announced the selection of CCM Secretary-General Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi as her running mate in the upcoming election.
The CCM Chairperson and presidential candidate, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, made the announcement on January 19, 2025.
Dr. Nchimbi was appointed CCM Secretary-General on January 15, 2024, during a Central Committee meeting held in Unguja, Zanzibar. He succeeded Daniel Chongolo, who resigned from the position on November 29, 2023.
“Dr. Nchimbi will continue serving as the party’s Secretary-General until the elections are held,” President Hassan stated.
Praise and Criticism
Upon assuming office, Hassan was initially praised for relaxing restrictions imposed by her predecessor, including easing controls on the opposition and media in the country, which has a population of approximately 67 million.
READ MORE: Unresolved Class Struggles: The Root Cause of CHADEMA’s Internal Conflicts
However, human rights organizations and Western governments have since criticized what they describe as a resurgence of political repression. Reports of opposition politicians from the CHADEMA party being arrested, as well as incidents of abductions and killings of opposition leaders, have drawn international concern.
Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango Resigns
In a surprising development, President Hassan also announced the resignation of Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango, who cited his desire to retire.
“At 68, he says he wants to live longer and has requested to step down and rest,” explained President Hassan.
President Hassan revealed that Dr. Mpango had submitted a resignation letter earlier, which she initially declined. However, after discussions with the CCM Central Committee, the resignation was accepted.
No formal explanation for Dr. Mpango’s departure was given, but President Hassan emphasized that it was not related to his job performance.
Dr. Mpango had previously been rumored as a potential candidate for the position of CCM Vice Chairperson for Tanzania Mainland. However, these speculations were put to rest when Stephen Wasira was elected to the role during the CCM National Congress in Dodoma.
It remains unclear whether Dr. Mpango will retire entirely from politics following his resignation as Vice President.
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