Of all CCM primaries, only in Rufiji constituency, allegations of CCM District authorities have refused to give candidacy forms to Mr. Shabani Matebwe complained that when he requested for the forms he was denied.
That the police were called to arrest him in case he created a scene. Shabani Matebwe said there were insidious efforts to placate the powerful minister for local government (TAMISEMI) Mohamed Mchengerwa that he didn’t face a challenge to boost his shrinking political fortunes in the constituency.
What are the issues concerning the Rufiji Constituency?
Here’s a refined analysis of the Rufiji Constituency primary election situation, with corrected chronology and key issues:
⚖️ Core Issues in Rufiji Constituency.
1. Blocked Nomination Attempt.
– Aspirant Shabani Matebwe alleges CCM district officials denied him nomination forms when he attempted to collect them, effectively barring him from challenging incumbent MP Hon. Mohamed Mchengerwa (Minister for Local Government/TAMISEMI).
– Police reportedly threatened to arrest him if he protested this exclusion.
2. Scheduled Primary Timeline.
– Nomination forms were officially available for collection from June 28 to July 2, 2025.
– Mchengerwa publicly collected his forms on “June 30*”, while Matebwe’s access was blocked earlier.
– The primary vote is “pending” and expected to occur imminently after the nomination window closes (July 2).
3. Political Motive Allegations.
– Matebwe claims this was a deliberate move to shield Mchengerwa from competition, citing the Minister’s “shrinking political fortunes” in Rufiji.
– Mchengerwa previously served as Rufiji MP (2010-2020) but lost the seat in 2020; his return bid is seen as high-stakes for his ministerial career.
4. Systemic Irregularities in CCM Primaries can lead to re-run?
– The CCM Central Committee can “nullify initial primaries” in Rufiji and 4 other constituencies due to “serious violations of party rules,” including bribery and procedural flaws like depriving potential candidates from accessing the forms.
– A rerun can be ordered for these constituencies, with Rufiji’s re-scheduled for reasonable time framework – aligning with the corrected timeline.
🗳️ Key Players & Power Dynamics.
| No. | Figure. | Role. | Current Status. |
| 1.0 | Mohamed Mchengerwa | Incumbent Minister (TAMISEMI). | Collected nomination forms June 30. |
| 2.0 | Shabani Matebwe. | Challenging aspirant. | Allegedly blocked from accessing forms. |
| 3.0 | CCM District Officials. | Local party authorities. | Accused of favoring Mchengerwa. |
📌 Broader Context of CCM Primaries.
– Opposition Vacuum:
Main rival party CHADEMA is banned from the 2025 elections, making CCM primaries the de facto battleground for establishment candidates.
– Elite Influence:
Recent presidential appointees (e.g., Regional Commissioners) are resigning to contest primaries, with guarantees of reinstatement if they lose – reinforcing perceptions of insider advantage.
– National Pattern:
Similar irregularities reported in other constituencies (e.g., Arusha, where ex-Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda is vying for nomination).
⏭️ What to Watch on the nomination date.
Whether Matebwe or other aspirants successfully contest their exclusion before voting begins.
2. If the rerun proceeds without reported coercion or procedural violations.
3. Potential fallout if Mchengerwa loses despite alleged protection – which would signal weakened central control over local factions.
4. Looks like CCM has already settled on the establishment candidate Mohamed Mchengerwa.
This reflects systemic tensions within CCM: balancing democratic appearances against entrenched power networks. The Rufiji primary remains a litmus test for electoral fairness under President Samia’s “4Rs” reform agenda.
Read more analysis by Rutashubanyuma Nestory
