Rising Tensions Within Tanzania’s Ruling Party
The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) in Tanzania is witnessing an intensifying debate over internal democracy, transparency, and the direction of the party. Prominent members are calling for greater openness and reforms, but these calls have sparked questions about whether the real issue is about human rights and internal governance or if it is part of early maneuvering ahead of the 2030 presidential elections.
Josephat Gwajima, a member of the CCM National Executive Council, has publicly criticized the party’s internal processes and urged for legal reforms to ensure that the upcoming 2025 General Election is “inclusive and unifying.” In a YouTube livestream, he warned against dismissing the opposition Chadema’s call for electoral reforms, stating that winning without a credible contest would not foster national unity necessary for development. He also emphasized the importance of protecting freedoms and allowing diverse opinions within the party rather than suppressing them.
Humphrey Polepole, another prominent figure, recently resigned as Tanzania’s ambassador to Cuba, citing concerns over declining leadership standards and governance ethics. In his resignation letter, he expressed disappointment with the party’s internal nomination process, claiming it had deviated from its founding principles of justice, discipline, and reform. Despite this, he stated that he remains a loyal member of CCM and hopes the party will return to its roots of fairness and inclusivity.
Internal Divisions and Political Ambitions
As public debate gained momentum, Fadhili Maganya, chairperson of the CCM Parents Wing, accused some members of using human rights and democracy as a cover for personal ambitions. He claimed that certain individuals were operating in cliques to undermine the party from within, aiming to serve their own presidential aspirations. Maganya warned that unless the party takes a strong stance against such dissent, it risks losing its historical identity and dominance since the advent of multiparty politics.
Maganya’s remarks come at a time when several CCM stalwarts are positioning themselves for the 2030 presidential race. However, Polepole dismissed the talk of the 2030 succession as a distraction. He told The Citizen that the focus should be on how procedures were violated in selecting the 2025 presidential candidate, and discussing 2030 now is reckless. He emphasized that the party should come first, followed by individual interests.
Observations and Concerns from Political Experts
Political observers believe the tensions reflect deeper undercurrents within the party, especially as it begins to contemplate long-term leadership transitions towards 2030 and beyond. Prof Makame Ali Ussi of the State University of Zanzibar noted that while CCM has always allowed internal debate, the current situation is unusual because some of these conversations are happening publicly. This openness can lead to multiple interpretations and suspicions.
Dr Richard Mbunda of the University of Dar es Salaam pointed out that during Polepole’s tenure as the party’s Ideology and Publicity Secretary, concerns about undemocratic practices and lack of transparency in internal processes gained significant public attention. His recent remarks, therefore, raise important questions about whether he is speaking from a place of self-reflection or political repositioning.
Dr Paul Loisulie of the University of Dodoma highlighted a broader generational and political shift within CCM. He noted that a younger political class feels more comfortable speaking publicly about sensitive issues, which aligns with global trends in political communication. However, he warned that CCM must strike the right balance between suppressing internal dialogue and allowing unregulated openness, as both extremes could threaten party cohesion.
The Need for Balance and Transparency
Dr Onesmo Kyauke of the University of Dar es Salaam argued that raising concerns about human rights and the party’s candidate selection process should not be viewed as wrongdoing. He emphasized that encouraging open dialogue helps build trust and long-term stability within parties like CCM.
Ultimately, the ongoing debates within CCM highlight the challenges of maintaining internal democracy and transparency while navigating the complexities of political ambition and leadership transitions. As the party moves forward, finding a balance between openness and cohesion will be critical to preserving its dominance and ensuring sustainable development.
