Makalla Warns CCM Against Factions Ahead of 2025 Elections

Makalla Urges Unity Amid Growing Factionalism Ahead of 2025 Elections

Dar es Salaam, March 6, 2025

Amos Makalla, the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party's Secretary for Ideology, Publicity, and Training, has issued a stern warning against the growing factionalism within the party ahead of the upcoming general elections. He expressed concern that the divisions could give the opposition an advantage in securing parliamentary and council seats.

Makalla, who also serves as the CCM Regional Coordinator for Dar es Salaam, has warned that the splinter groups forming within the party could become a significant obstacle to the CCM's success in the elections. Several party members have begun mobilizing in different constituencies, attempting to build networks and publicly declaring their intentions to contest leadership positions at the ward and constituency levels—a trend that is actively discouraged by the party leadership.

In January 2025, CCM made constitutional amendments to expand internal democracy and curb corruption. The number of delegates allowed to vote in the primary selection process was increased from 10 to 20. The reforms are intended to broaden democracy and close loopholes often exploited for corrupt practices.

Under the new constitutional provisions, should 70 individuals express interest in a single constituency, a primary process will narrow the field to just three candidates, whose names will then be taken to the upper levels for voting, ensuring only one individual ultimately represents the party.

During his ongoing visit to Segerea, Dar es Salaam, on Thursday, March 6, 2025, Makalla emphasized that unity is key to securing a victory in the upcoming general elections. He urged party members to avoid factionalism, particularly in Dar es Salaam, where divisions could severely undermine the party's chances of winning councilor and parliamentary seats, potentially handing over key constituencies to opposition parties.

“The divisions within our party, especially in Dar es Salaam, will not serve us well. Those who lead these factions are only making it easier for the opposition to outmaneuver us in the primaries,” Makalla stated.

He reiterated that as a key party figure in Dar es Salaam, he would use his influence in the Central Committee, Secretariat, and National Executive Committee to ensure these divisions are controlled. Dar es Salaam, being the region with the largest voter base in the country, is crucial for CCM’s success in the upcoming elections. Any internal discord could potentially cost the party crucial victories in both the council and parliamentary races.

The message resonated with party leaders in attendance, including those from the grassroots level—branches, wards, and constituencies across the Ilala District—who pledged to work towards maintaining unity. Makalla emphasized the need for leaders at all levels to monitor and eliminate factionalism within their ranks.

Ibrahim Msengi, a member of the CCM Central Committee, was among the first to raise concerns over the divisiveness spreading within the party, warning that if not properly addressed, it could result in electoral setbacks. “We have the potential to win every councilor seat in the 102 wards of Dar es Salaam. But my concern is the disunity—this will give the opposition an edge. We must stay united, protect our party, and ensure our candidates are chosen in a fair and transparent process,” Msengi cautioned.

Mussa Zungu, the Member of Parliament for Ilala and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, emphasized the party's focus on development, particularly in the improvement of infrastructure. He noted that numerous road projects, some of which are being upgraded to paved and concrete standards, have been launched with government funding.

“We owe it to the people to deliver on these projects and ensure that they continue to see the benefits. The upcoming elections are our opportunity to repay them by ensuring our candidates, from councilors to the presidency, are chosen with their support,” Zungu said, urging party members to avoid distractions and focus on the party’s mission.

Makalla’s visit, which began on March 4, 2025, is part of his ongoing tour to engage CCM members in strengthening the party's election readiness. The tour, which will conclude on March 8 in the Kigamboni District, aims to mobilize members for voter registration efforts and ensure that their details are updated in the national voter rolls.

The voter registration and updates in Dar es Salaam will begin on March 17 and run until March 23, 2025, marking the final phase of the nationwide process conducted by the National Electoral Commission (NEC).