By Charles Mkoka
Dar es Salaam — With the 2025 general elections around the corner, Mabula Marco Mabula, Secretary of the CCM Youth Wing Senate for Higher Learning Institutions in the Dar es Salaam Region, has delivered a passionate call to action for young people across Tanzania.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing
on June 24, Mabula urged the youth—particularly members of the ruling Chama Cha
Mapinduzi (CCM)—to step forward in large numbers and collect nomination forms
for both parliamentary and councilor positions. The nomination process
officially kicks off on June 28.
“This is our moment,” Mabula
said, his voice carrying both urgency and hope. “Young leaders must rise, not
just as voters, but as candidates prepared to serve and shape the future of
this nation.”
He was quick to emphasize that
the party has taken deliberate steps to create a fairer and more transparent
nomination process. According to Mabula, CCM has revised its internal
procedures to encourage broader and more democratic participation. A key change
involves expanding the pool of internal voters to include grassroots-level
representatives—such as executive committee members from local wings, cell
leaders, and branch committees.
“In the past, influence and money
could tip the scales,” Mabula admitted candidly. “But we’ve tightened the
rules. This time, merit and commitment will be the only paths to leadership.”
Mabula, who has spent years
working with youth in higher learning institutions, knows firsthand the
struggles and aspirations that many young Tanzanians face. His advocacy is
deeply rooted in the belief that young people aren’t just the leaders of
tomorrow—they’re leaders today, provided the system allows them to step up.
He also highlighted the party’s
commitment to inclusivity, stating that people with disabilities and members of
special groups will be given fair and prioritized consideration.
“Discrimination has no place in our party,” he declared firmly. “This is about
building a Tanzania that works for everyone.”
Joining Mabula at the press
conference was Antipas Pamba, former Youth Parliament Speaker (2022/23), who
commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her continued support of vulnerable
populations. Pamba pointed to the TZS 961.5 billion in government subsidies
benefiting a wide range of groups—including the elderly, farmers, and
students—as a testament to the administration’s dedication to social equity.
The conversation also turned
toward electoral reforms and preparations for the upcoming polls. Youth leaders
from UVCCM (the CCM Youth Wing) expressed cautious optimism about improvements
to the National Electoral Commission. They particularly noted progress in how
commission members are appointed, a shift that many see as enhancing the
Commission’s independence.
“These reforms reflect a deeper national
desire for fair representation,” said Isack Sumbali, a fellow youth leader.
“We’re moving forward—and we want the youth to be at the center of that
movement.”
Mabula didn’t shy away from
addressing rumors circulating on social media that the 2025 general elections
might be blocked or canceled. He dismissed the claims outright, reaffirming the
country’s strong electoral tradition.
“Since 1995, Tanzanians have gone
to the polls every five years without fail,” he said. “No individual or group
can override that constitutional mandate. If a political party chooses not to
participate this year, that’s their prerogative—but it won’t stop the
democratic process.”
He encouraged Tanzanians to
ignore political distractions and focus instead on their civic duty. The rising
number of voter registrations, he noted, is a clear sign that public engagement
is on the rise.
“The people are ready,” Mabula
concluded. “And come election day, we will show the strength of our
democracy—young leaders, experienced voices, and everyone in between. This is
our time to lead with integrity and vision.”