The ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has endorsed prominent businessman and mining executive Peter Andrea Mashili to vie for the Nzega Urban parliamentary seat in the upcoming party primaries, setting up a high-stakes political showdown with the incumbent MP, Agriculture Minister Hussein Mohamed Bashe.
Mashili, the Chief Executive Officer of Mashili Company Limited and a key figure behind several gold processing ventures including Matinje, Msilale, and Igurubi mining projects was approved by CCM’s National Executive Committee to contest in the internal nomination process.
He is among seven contenders cleared to run, including Regina Maganga Nicholaus, James Peter Malogoto, Dr. Francis John Kifutumo, and Eng. Bahati Ntengo Ndillo.
Speaking shortly after picking up nomination forms, Mashili said his decision to run stems from a strong desire to inject fresh energy and renewed commitment in driving development across Nzega, in line with CCM’s 2025–2030 manifesto.
“Nzega needs a new rhythm of leadership one that is inclusive, progressive and grounded in the realities of our people. My priority is to champion issues that matter to residents—access to opportunities, better livelihoods through agriculture, livestock and fisheries, and meaningful participation in national development,” Mashili said.
A well-known entrepreneur and mining specialist, Mashili resides in Mbugani Street in Nzega District, Tabora Region.
He is regarded as one of the most influential business figures in Tanzania’s mineral sector, with a longstanding track record of supporting social development initiatives, particularly in education infrastructure.
Political observers say Mashili’s entry into the race comes at a time when demand for dynamic and grassroots-oriented leadership is growing.
His continued presence and advocacy in community affairs have earned him considerable goodwill across Nzega.
If nominated by the party, Mashili will face a tough contest in the 2025 general election, particularly against Bashe, a CCM heavyweight and Cabinet member.
However, insiders note that CCM’s internal process remains key to shaping the race, with the party expected to weigh each candidate’s vision, record, and public support.
As the race unfolds, Nzega Urban remains one of the constituencies to watch not just for the calibre of its candidates but for what the outcome may signal about voter expectations in a new development era.