Ex-Tanzanian minister January Makamba barred from defending seat ahead of key primaries
His exclusion follows his July 2024 dismissal from President Samia Suluhu's Cabinet, a move interpreted by analysts as political sidelining.
Former Tanzanian Foreign Minister January Makamba has been barred from defending his Bumbuli seat in Tanzania's upcoming parliamentary primaries, a move that has fueled speculation about the ruling party's internal succession politics ahead of the 2030 presidential race.
Makamba, long seen as a potential future president, was left out of the final shortlist of candidates released Tuesday by Chama Cha Mapinduzi's (CCM) Central Committee, ahead of the August 4 primaries.
The decision, The East African reports, was made during a closed-door Central Committee meeting chaired by President Samia Suluhu, which lasted nearly 36 hours.
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His exclusion follows his July 2024 dismissal from President Samia Suluhu's Cabinet, a move interpreted by analysts as political sidelining.
While Makamba was ejected from the race, other high-profile figures such as former First Lady Salma Kikwete and her son Ridhiwani sailed through unopposed in Mchinga and Chalinze constituencies, respectively.
Their uncontested nominations have heightened claims that the process is being used to shield allies and edge out potential challengers.
Also locked out of the primaries are outspoken MPs Mrisho Gambo (Arusha Urban) and Luhaga Mpina (Kisesa), both known for criticising President Samia's administration. However, former Arusha regional commissioner Paul Makonda was cleared to contest in Arusha, joining six others on the ballot.
The party leadership's vetting process, which intensified this year, is widely viewed as an effort to eliminate dissent and secure a loyal parliamentary bloc in the next National Assembly.
The CCM adjusted its rules last weekend to accommodate more than three aspirants per constituency, citing a record number of over 10,000 applicants for 272 seats.
As a result, nearly 2,000 hopefuls were approved, with some races featuring up to 10 names, while others, including those involving Deputy Prime Minister Dotto Biteko and the Kikwete's, were narrowed to a single, uncontested candidate.
Similarly, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa quietly withdrew from defending his Ruangwa seat shortly after indicating he would run, a move many link to internal party calculations regarding the 2030 presidential succession.
Meanwhile, the country's Independent National Electoral Commission has confirmed that general elections for Tanzania and Zanzibar will be held on October 29.
Candidate lists for all 18 registered parties will be released on August 27, followed by a two-month campaign period ending on October 28.
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