Stephen Wasira, the Vice Chairman of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) for Mainland Tanzania, has affirmed that in this year’s general elections, the party will continue to hold power through a majority of votes, not through the use of force.
He stressed that CCM is driven by the vision and ideology of liberation and will remain a staunch defender of the rights of Tanzanians.
Wasira made these remarks on February 10, 2025, while addressing residents of Busega Constituency in Simiyu Region, as he traveled towards Mwanza.
"In this year's election, CCM will emerge victorious because there is no serious challenge to the party. Our strength lies in holding power, and we do so through votes, not guns. These votes come from both CCM members and non-members," Wasira said.
He further explained that CCM’s enduring strength is rooted in the historic union of the parties that led the country’s liberation, particularly TANU and the Afro-Shiraz Party (ASP).
“As members and leaders of CCM, we carry forward the vision of these founding parties, and we are the ones continuing the work of independence while driving meaningful change in the lives of Tanzanians,” he added.
Regarding the party’s presidential candidates, Wasira confirmed that CCM has already selected Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan as the candidate for the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi for President of Zanzibar, and Ambassador Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi as the running mate.