PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan and Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi were yesterday endorsed as the party’s presidential candidates for the 2025 general elections.

More than 1,200 delegates to the extraordinary CCM national congress endorsed the incumbents as expected without voices of dissent.

Two resolutions were passed after a presentation on the successful implementation of the CCM 2020 election manifesto, indicating successes in key development projects and strategic initiatives.

The resounding support of the union and Zanzibar leaders comes in the wake of the weekend consensus on appointing a new vicechairman for the Mainland, Stephen Wasira (79).

The veteran cabinet minister and activist was described by observers as having accomplished career defined by service and high-flung advocacy for the ruling party, notably in radio shows and television panels over the past few years.|

Prior to the nomination speculation was being directed at former premier Mizengo Pinda, who has shown remarkable expertise and advocacy in the agro-sector field since leaving the post in 2015.

Yet remarks by the Mara Region based politician now taking the place of ex-vice chairman Abdulrahman Kinana showed he was closer to current moods in the party, as visibly more conservative than the former premier.

Pinda attracted attention in the ruling party late 2010 when he took up the demand for a new constitution after the general election, as then Attorney General Fredrick Werema (now deceased) and Justice Minister Dr Batilda Buriani affirmed that there was no need for a new constitution.

The then premier, in a televised interview, promised to ‘advise’ President Jakaya Kikwetre on the issue, the result of which was that of an ill-fated constitution making process that culminated inconclusively by October 2014 and never restarted.

Reading the resolution during the meeting yesterday here, Special Seats MP Ng’wasi Kamani made reference to under Article 101(5)(b) of the CCM Constitution, on the candidacy of the incumbent Head of State and party chairperson.

Article 103(c) of the CCM Constitution provides that the CCM National Executive Committee (NEC) has the authority to select a candidate for the presidency of Zanzibar, she stated.

What appeared to be rushed nominations drew disquiet from some members, prompting President Samia to seek expert advice from former leaders on whether such a decision was feasible.

Former president Jakaya Kikwete clarified that each party has its own procedures for selecting candidates, and that the decision made at the meeting is final, pointing out that in Namibia for instance, “candidate selections can take up to a year.”

“If we decide today that Samia and Mwinyi are our candidates, we have the authority to do so. The remaining task is to seek legal advice, but everyone will soon know that CCM has completed its candidate selection process,” he declared.

He also commended the leaders for their hard work, as evidenced by the successful implementation of the party’s manifesto, which showed that CCM members have made the right choice in supporting the leadership.

He praised the tangible benefits that have positively impacted Tanzanians under their leadership.

“CCM’s victory is guaranteed; this year’s win is unquestionable. Other parties may have candidates, but I don’t see how they can defeat us. It’s not about tricks—our government has delivered many impactful projects that benefit the people directly,” he added.