Attending the just-concluded Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) National Congress for the very first time was nothing short of a deeply moving and eye-opening experience.
The moment I stepped into the grounds of the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, I could feel it—this was more than a gathering.
It was a living expression of unity, history, and purpose, unfolding in real-time. The air was electric with anticipation, the entire venue alive with vibrant green and yellow—the unmistakable colors of CCM—fluttering with pride and legacy.
Everywhere I looked, there was a palpable sense of order and belonging. Delegates from every corner of the country, dressed in the party’s iconic attire and bearing its proud emblem, moved with purpose.
The chants that echoed across the venue weren’t rehearsed; they came from the heart, spontaneous and yet strikingly synchronized, a reflection of how deeply rooted CCM is in the lives of its members. There was no confusion, no competing voices, just a unified chorus of conviction and pride.
What struck me immediately was the level of detail in the organization. Nothing was left to chance. From the seamless flow of security, precise seating arrangements, and well-timed sessions, to the flawless execution of speeches and presentations, it was all orchestrated with the kind of discipline and precision one usually expects at high-level state events.
It spoke volumes about a party that not only knows how to govern but understands the power of structure and symbolism in leadership.
Then came the emotional crescendo: the Chairperson of the party—also the President of the United Republic of Tanzania—rose to speak.
The reaction was overwhelming. A wave of applause burst forth, followed by chants so emotionally charged that they seemed to shake the very foundations of the hall.
These moments weren’t just ceremonial—they were deeply personal, echoing the weight of 48 years of consistent political stewardship. Each interruption by the crowd, every eruption of applause, felt like a genuine affirmation of the vision being shared.
The presentations of the new Manifesto were equally powerful. Spearheaded by Professor Kitila and Dr. Nkuya, the addresses were not the usual political slogans. They were thoughtful, compelling, and grounded in the realities of Tanzanian life.
The message was clear: CCM is charting a path rooted in social justice, industrial growth, youth empowerment, and digital transformation.
The vision was bold, yet firmly anchored in the party’s long-standing principles—bridging past achievements with the future’s demands.
What stayed with me was the way the manifesto was presented not just as a document, but as a mission—one that spoke directly to the challenges facing ordinary citizens.
There was strategy, there was soul, and above all, there was a sincerity that made the words resonate. It didn’t feel like politics as usual. It felt like a purpose.
International solidarity added a whole new layer to the Congress. Delegations from sister parties—China’s Communist Party, Cuba, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and others—were not just present; they were engaged, offering powerful reflections on shared struggles and enduring ideals.
When the representative from Russia spoke, highlighting the ideological parallels and shared values with CCM—central coordination, long-term planning, and people-centered policies—it was a reminder that CCM’s journey is part of a broader, global tradition of liberation and progressive governance.
Yet, amidst all these global echoes, what stood out most was how uniquely Tanzanian CCM remains. Its ability to harmonize revolutionary ideals with a vibrant multiparty democracy is not just remarkable—it’s inspirational.
The Congress was more than a political event; it was a statement. A statement that CCM is not just ready for the next electoral contest—it is ready to lead with renewed vigor and clarity.
Leaving that hall, I carried with me more than memories. I left with a deeper understanding of what political organization truly looks like when it is grounded in history, driven by vision, and fueled by the people.
As a first-time attendee, I felt a renewed faith in our democratic institutions and an overwhelming admiration for a party that continues to evolve without losing its identity.
If this Congress was a reflection of CCM’s readiness, then the message is clear: the party is not simply preparing for elections. It is preparing to win—not just at the ballot box, but in the hearts and lives of Tanzanians.
Joseph Ludovick is Songwe Regional Secretary, Wazazi-CCM.