As key Tanzanian opposition figures continue to trade personal jabs at one another, the world’s attention and the country’s political center are now focused in Dodoma. This is where the CCM Special National Congress 2025 will take place on the 18th to 19th of January 2025, marking a defining moment for Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), Tanzania’s most influential ruling party. This rare event stands as one of the most significant political milestones in the country’s landscape, symbolizing both reflection on past achievements and strategic planning for the future.
In essence, the word January, comes from the word Janus.
Janus was a Roman god with two faces, one face looks to the past the other face looks to the future. It would make political sense in which the conclusion of one year, and the beginning of the next year, there is always a looking back on what has been, and looking forward to what will be.
Therefore, what transpired in 2024, among many political successes and challenges, was the resignation of Abdulrahman Omari Kinana, the former secretary general and vice chairman for the (CCM) party.
Looking ahead, is the upcoming general election, where the party decides, what should change, especially strategically change as the upcoming months unfold.
Members from various levels of the party will gather to deliberate on key issues concerning not just the party, but the nation at large.
The special congress will bring together senior party leaders, Members of Parliament, regional commissioners, district commissioners, grassroots representatives, and other key political figures. At the heart of the deliberations will be the question of succession following the resignation of Vice Chairman Abdul Kinana in July 2024.
The position of Vice Chairman of the party is crucial, and all eyes will be on those vying to fill the role.
On the prominence:
As Tanzanians and political analysts continue to speculate on the outcome of this historic gathering, attention is shifting to prominent figures within the party who may rise to the occasion.
Among these are former Prime Minister Peter Kayanza Pinda and veteran politician Stephen Wasira, both of whom have significant political experience and a strong command over the party’s operations.
However, it is a well-known political tradition of CCM to surprise the public with unexpected nominations, so the field for potential successors remains open.
Given the circumstances and the need for fresh leadership, a new name might emerge one that fits the season and the vision of the party.
The question of leadership succession isn’t just about individual personalities; it speaks to the ongoing evolution of CCM itself. A new vice chairman could signal a shift in the party’s direction, shaping how the party engages with the public and how it approaches governance in the run-up to the 2025 elections.
The silent majority of Tanzanians and apolitical voters will be watching closely, as the outcome will likely influence not only the internal dynamics of CCM but also the broader political landscape in the years to come.
Focus on CCM’s political strategy:
The upcoming Special National Congress will not only deal with leadership selection but will also provide an opportunity for introspection and strategic planning.
The Special CCM National Congress will likely provide an assessment of the party’s manifesto, a document that has been critical in shaping Tanzania’s political and development trajectory.
Key policy decisions will be reviewed, and the future course of action for the party will be laid out.
Another key area of focus will be the reshuffling of key political positions within the party, especially those serving in government roles, to ensure that it is ready for the upcoming electoral season. In the months leading to the 2025 elections, these positions will be vital in implementing the party’s agenda.
In line with this, the Congress is expected to address critical decisions regarding the reorganization of the party’s leadership structure, ensuring it is aligned with the goals and aspirations of Tanzanians.
One of the most pressing matters at the congress will be the preparation for the 2025 general elections.
This will involve evaluating potential constituency candidates and crafting strategies for securing electoral victory. CCM’s approach to candidate selection will be watched closely, as the party faces competition from an increasingly vocal opposition despite the ongoing heated divisions from the opposition’s influential party.
Mandate for Seating in Dodoma for National CC Congress:
According to Article 99 of the CCM Party Constitution, sub-article 1, the mandate for the Central Committee to convene for special sessions is clearly outlined, and the upcoming Special National Congress falls under this provision.
The General Assembly, which includes members of the National CCM leadership, will convene under the chairmanship of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, who holds the position of National Chairperson of the party.
This is where critical decisions will be made as the party prepares for the general elections, with the political weight of the proceedings heavy in the air.
This Congress marks a pivotal moment for CCM as it reflects the political maturity of the party and the growth of democracy in Tanzania.
For more than six decades, the leadership of CCM has been divided into two main regions—Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar—each with its own Vice Chairperson.
These individuals have played a vital role in shaping the governance of the nation and ensuring that CCM remains a dominant force in Tanzanian politics.
They have been central to the development of the party’s manifesto and to the decision-making processes regarding government appointees.
For instance, the Vice Chairpersons have helped evaluate the progress of leadership within the party and government, offering guidance on the selection of key appointees and ensuring the party’s direction is consistent with its founding ideals.
They are instrumental in evaluating and shaping the leadership dynamics within both the party and the government.
Given the importance of these roles, the decision on the next Vice Chairperson will attract significant national attention.
Main Agenda
While the full agenda for the upcoming Congress is yet to be confirmed, CCM’s political tradition provides some insight into what can be expected.
After the nomination and confirmation of the new Vice Chairperson, the conference will likely turn its focus to preparing the party for the upcoming elections.
This will include discussions on candidate selections, the formulation of electoral strategies, and the coordination of party activities during the election period.
Additionally, the Congress is expected to take a close look at the implementation of the party’s manifesto. It is plausible that the successes and challenges faced in fulfilling the manifesto will be reviewed, with suggestions for adjustments or new initiatives to ensure that the party is ready for the 2025 election season.
This review is crucial, as it will guide the party’s actions in the lead-up to the election.
Diplomatic eye in Dodoma: President Samia’s term has been defined by historic diplomatic relations on the tapestry of international affairs.
China’s CPC party is a historically an ally of CCM and the two parties have shaped strong bilateral ties between the People’s Republic of China and the United Republic of Tanzania.
Key infrastructure projects have been constructed and completed under president Samia’s leadership by forging strong ties with China, but also with the rest of the Industrial world, including Japan, the United States and the European Union.
Ultimately, this Special National Congress will be a moment of great significance for CCM and for Tanzania as a whole.
The decisions made here will not only shape the party’s internal structure but will also have a lasting impact on the country’s political future. As the nation waits in anticipation, all eyes will be on Dodoma in January 2025, where CCM’s leadership will solidify its path toward the elections and beyond.
In my personal touch, I hope a surprise history will be made, in charisma, vision and touch of leadership i hope Dr. Dorothy Gwajima the incumbent Minister for Community development Gender, Women and Special Groups is nominated, or Daniel Chongolo whose experience is also commendable.
However, the buck of decision starts and ends with the president, after thorough examination of crop of candidates that are eligible for the role. I wish the party and the country the best at the heart of January over the coming weekend when they sit for the Special National Congress in Dodoma.
Read more about 63 Years On: Is CCM Still Serving Tanzania’s Independence Ideals?
