General election is approaching “, Dr Nchimbi say

The Secretary General of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), Ambassador Dr. Emmanuel John Nchimbi, has affirmed that the general elections scheduled for 2025 will proceed as mandated by the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, emphasizing that no individual, political party, or governmental authority, regardless of its level, can prevent this from happening.

Speaking at the Special General Meeting of the Tanzania Editors Forum (TEF) held on Friday, April 4, 2025, in Songea, Dr. Nchimbi highlighted that the electoral process in the country is constitutional and has been adhered to since 1960. 

He stated, “Our country has a system of holding elections every five years. No citizen, including the President, Vice President, or Prime Minister, has the authority to declare that elections will not take place.” This statement comes amid ongoing discussions regarding the participation of political parties, particularly CHADEMA, in the upcoming elections.

He reassured Tanzanians that the general elections for the President, Members of Parliament, and local councilors in 2025 will occur as usual. Dr. Nchimbi reminded citizens that while every individual has the right to contest, no party can be compelled to participate in the elections. 

He noted the emerging voices from some CCM members and citizens urging CHADEMA to join the elections, asserting that it is their right to abstain. Addressing CHADEMA leaders, including Tundu Lissu, he remarked that this election is not the last, with future elections scheduled for 2030, 2035, 2040, 2045, and 2050. 

He condemned the practice of mocking or pressuring opposition parties to participate in elections, stating that criticizing CHADEMA is contrary to the law and the constitution, and no one should force them to enter the electoral process. 

He concluded by reiterating that the Constitution allows elections to occur even with a single party, and every citizen has the right to vote, even if they choose not to run for office. “If you miss the right to be elected, you gain the right to vote. In these two rights, you obtain one and fulfill your duty as a citizen.”