Tanzania’s ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi, passed a resolution on Sunday endorsing Samia Suluhu Hassan and Hussein Ali Mwinyi as the party’s official candidates for the Union and Zanzibar presidential elections, respectively.

The resolution followed a recommendation by former President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, who served as Tanzania’s head of state from 2005 to 2015.

The decision came amid overwhelming support from delegates at the CCM National Congress held in the Tanzanian capital of Dodoma.

Mr Kikwete made the recommendation as delegates repeatedly chanted their support for Ms Hassan and Mr Mwinyi, prompting cheers and applause that interrupted his speech.

“If we want to decide today that Samia is our candidate and Mwinyi is our candidate, we have the authority to do so,” said Mr Kikwete, prompting another round of applause.

However, he cautioned against bypassing the legal framework and urged Congress to ensure that the nomination process remains legally sound.

Tanzania’s general elections will be held in October 2025 to elect the president and members of the National Assembly. 

(Xinhua/NAN)