CCM to Reveal New Procedure for Special Seats in 2025 Elections

CCM to Unveil New Procedure for Special Seats Allocation as Election Season Looms

Dar es Salaam, February 22, 2025

As Tanzania’s election season draws near, uncertainty continues to surround the selection process for special seat councillors and Members of Parliament (MPs) within the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM). This confusion has led incumbent MPs and councillors to adopt questionable strategies, drawing sharp criticism from senior party officials.

Inside sources from CCM suggest that various factions, including the youth wing (UVCCM) and the parents wing (Wazazi), are advocating for equal treatment in the allocation of special seats, particularly in councils and Parliament, with a focus on parity alongside the Women’s Wing (UWT).

If their demands are met, this could result in a redistribution of seats, potentially reducing UWT’s current allocation. Presently, CCM holds 94 special seats in Parliament, mainly filled by UWT and UVCCM members.

Should these calls for equality materialize, UWT’s representation is likely to diminish in the October 2025 election. During his visit to Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL) headquarters in Tabata Relini on February 21, 2025, CCM's Secretary of Ideology, Publicity, and Training, Mr. Amos Makalla, clarified the situation.

“Special seats are the property of political parties,” Mr. Makalla explained. “CCM selects special seat MPs from UWT. However, we are discussing the possibility of including women from Wazazi, young women from UVCCM, and how this ‘cake’ should be shared, so we may consider expanding the allocation.”

While deliberations continue, Makalla assured that UWT would remain the primary body overseeing the process, though he made it clear that equal distribution of the seats is unlikely to be achieved.

In addition to the ongoing debate over special seat allocations, the lack of term limits for special seats has been a point of contention. Critics argue that a five-year term should be sufficient for MPs to establish their political and economic standing before competing for constituency seats. Originally, special seats were designed to empower and uplift women. However, some MPs have held these seats for over 15 years, causing frustration among those eager to contest for these positions. The financial barriers posed by long-serving incumbents have further exacerbated the situation.

The debate on term limits has sparked division among long-serving councillors and MPs, although supporters of the idea see it as a chance for new party members to enter the race.

Despite the competition, securing a special parliamentary seat is no easy feat. Limited positions and more accessible voters for these seats than those for constituency elections have led to intense rivalry.

CCM’s Secretary-General, Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi, has issued stern warnings to party members. "I want them to understand that CCM has a system to monitor all actions. We keep records, and those records will be used to disqualify errant aspirants," Dr. Nchimbi said during an address in Dodoma. "If they are prepared to donate their money for charity without expecting anything in return, they can continue. But if they intend to make excuses, such as issues with birth certificates or deceased grandmothers, they should proceed—we are keeping a close watch."