The ruling party of Tanzania, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has officially endorsed Samia Suluhu Hassan and Hussein Ali Mwinyi as its candidates for the Union and Zanzibar presidential elections, respectively.
The endorsement was made during the CCM National Congress held in Dodoma.
The resolution to endorse the candidates followed a recommendation by former President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, who served as Tanzania’s head of state from 2005 to 2015. Delegates at the congress expressed overwhelming support for Hassan and Mwinyi, with their enthusiasm frequently interrupting proceedings, as reported by media.
During the session, Kikwete emphasized the need for the nomination process to align with legal frameworks. The endorsement marks a key step for CCM as the country prepares for its general elections, scheduled to take place in October 2025, where voters will elect the president and members of the National Assembly.
Tanzania conducts general elections every five years to elect the president and members of the National Assembly. The president is elected by direct popular vote and can serve up to two five-year terms.
The National Assembly, or Bunge la Jamhuri ya Muungano, comprises members elected from single-seat constituencies, special seats allocated to women based on party representation, five members elected by the Zanzibar House of Representatives, the Attorney General, and up to ten members appointed by the President. The next general elections are scheduled for October 2025.
Zanzibar has a semi-autonomous status within Tanzania, which allows it to have its own president and government. This arrangement stems from the union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar in 1964, which created the United Republic of Tanzania.
Under this union, Zanzibar retains its own government and president to manage internal matters, such as local governance, culture, and some economic policies. However, certain areas like foreign affairs, defense, and monetary policy are under the jurisdiction of the Union government, led by Tanzania's president.