POLITICAL excitement is in the air with the ruling party completing its key nominations for the general elections later this year.

The notable event was the premature taking up of the nomination agenda at an extraordinary party congress, which was convened to approve the nomination of the party vice chairman for the Mainland, to take the place of Abdulrahman Kinana who resigned from the post mid last year.

Political observers and the wider public were abuzz with informed and speculative expressions especially with the nomination of Ambassador Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi as running mate to incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

One reported analyst, Dr Albanie Marcossy, said that completing the nomination in a hurried manner "is an indication that the general election will not be easy."

Bishop Antony Mlyashimba of the central diocese of the Baptist Church in Tanzania said that the move by the CCM extraordinary congress was appropriate, on the basis of statutes of the party.

Knowing the names of candidates early will help the public know the candidates well in advance, reflecting upon them well ahead of the general election, he stated.

He even suggested the need to change the law so that the process of nomination starts early for all parties to introduce their contestants so that they are known to their constituents and voters.

He asserted that even at the CCM congress the matter of the nomination was vague in its rules, underlining that even former president Jakaya Kikwete, when asked for advice by the national chairperson on the matter, did not have a forthright answer.

Dr Cyril Komba, head of the Moshi College of Business Education, praised the running mate nomination, as the former ambassador and current party secretary general "has grown up in the party."

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, wrapping up the two-day congress, asked party leaders to reflect upon the need to adhere to ethical standards, as well as opposing injustice and oppression especially during elections.

She similarly cautioned against misusing artificial intelligence during elections, while making efforts to inform citizens on how the government has implemented its 2020 manifesto, and promote unity.

She hailed the decision by Vice President Dr Philip Mpango to retire, expressing gratitude for his significant contributions to economic policy, as a distinguished economist.

“When the time comes for him to retire, we pray for his aspirations to be fulfilled. May he retire peacefully, with a long life, good health, and happiness. We sincerely thank him for his service to the nation,” the president declared.

She also saluted former presidents Jakaya Kikwete, Amani Abeid Karume and Dr Ali Mohamed Shein for their support during the extraordinary national conference,

She talked of their support as she was being overwhelmed by the proposal to endorse her and Dr Mwinyi as presidential candidates in the upcoming general election.

“When I called them aside, they were very helpful. I want to particularly thank Kikwete because this idea originated during his tenure as party chairman.

“He formed a council of former top leaders as party elders, which leaders consult when facing challenges. They are the encyclopaedia of this party, and you can’t leave without a solution,” she added.