TZ CCM’s High-Stakes NEC Meeting: Traders’ Strike, Mwinyi’s Term Extension, and Mpina’s Fate
By Adonis Byemelwa
The Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) National Executive Committee (NEC) is gearing up for a high-stakes meeting on June 30, 2024, in Dar es Salaam, presided over by President Samia Suluhu Hassan. This crucial gathering comes at a time of heightened political tension and public unrest.
The NEC is expected to tackle pressing issues, including the escalating traders’ strike that has paralyzed key regions, the controversial push to extend Zanzibar President Dr. Hussein Mwinyi’s term, and the disciplinary measures against Kisesa MP Luhaga Mpina.
With these contentious topics on the table, this NEC session is poised to shape the political landscape and set the tone for the ruling party’s future strategies. The outcome could significantly impact CCM’s credibility and public support, making this one of the most anticipated political events of the year.
Key topics expected to surface include the stance on the ongoing nationwide traders’ strike, the controversial proposal to extend Zanzibar President Dr. Hussein Mwinyi’s term, and disciplinary actions against Kisesa MP Luhaga Mpina.
This pivotal meeting comes amid escalating tensions, with traders across seven regions shutting their shops in protest. They are demanding the government address their grievances, which sparked following a strike last May.
The recent wave of strikes began on June 22 in Kariakoo, quickly spreading to 10 regions, including Dar es Salaam, Iringa, Arusha, Dodoma, Mbeya, Kagera, Kigoma, Morogoro, Ruvuma, and Mtwara. Despite the government’s attempt to appease the traders by suspending EFD receipt inspections, the unrest persists.
Political Science lecturer at the University of Dodoma, Dr. Conrad Masabo, underlines the necessity for the NEC to address this strike. He highlights that the traders draw inspiration from Kenyan demonstrators who successfully pressured their government.
“President William Ruto’s decision not to sign the 2024 Finance Bill shows that a leader can reconsider parliamentary decisions. NEC must discuss this to prevent traders from intensifying their protests,” Dr. Masabo notes.
Echoing Dr. Masabo, Professor Ambrose Kessy, Vice Chancellor of the Law School of Tanzania, suggests the strike indicates the government’s failure to create a conducive business environment as per CCM’s manifesto.
“Traders feel burdened, possibly due to excessive taxation. The NEC must devise strategies to address these concerns and ensure fairness,” Prof. Kessy asserts.
Another contentious issue on the agenda is the proposal to extend President Mwinyi’s term. This suggestion, made by CCM Zanzibar Deputy Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed Dimwa, has sparked widespread debate. Dr. Dimwa’s call on June 23 to extend Mwinyi’s term to seven years was met with criticism, prompting clarifications from both CCM and President Mwinyi affirming adherence to the constitution. Dr. Masabo believes this issue will surface during the NEC meeting, potentially indicating a rift within CCM and implications for the Tanganyika-Zanzibar Union. “This matter could portray CCM Zanzibar as operating independently of mainland CCM. It’s a serious issue that needs addressing,” he says.
The NEC meeting will also discuss the suspension of Kisesa MP Luhaga Mpina for 15 parliamentary sessions for contempt of the House.
MPs Livingston Lusinde and Joseph Musukuma have signaled their intention to bring this issue to the NEC. However, Dr. Masabo predicts the discussion will focus more on the process and merits of Mpina’s punishment rather than further disciplinary action by the party.
“Previous instances involving MPs Jerry Silaa and Josephat Gwajima did not lead to additional party sanctions,” he points out.
The NEC session coincides with the recent approval of the 2024/25 government budget, which includes significant strategic project implementation and debt servicing. Dr. Masabo anticipates the NEC will evaluate the budget’s implementation, particularly addressing national debt challenges.
“Every NEC meeting reviews the government’s progress in fulfilling campaign promises. This includes discussing implemented projects and activities outlined in the manifesto,” he elaborates.
As local government elections approach, the NEC is likely to deliberate on election strategies. This could be the last NEC meeting before the elections unless a special session is convened. Dr. Matrona Kabyemela, a political science scholar at the University of Dar es Salaam, emphasizes the need for a fair and transparent election process.
“I hope opposition candidates aren’t disqualified on technicalities. This should be a topic of discussion,” Dr. Kabyemela suggests.
The NEC will assess the recent tour by CCM Secretary-General Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi across 11 regions, including Singida, Manyara, Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Tanga, Katavi, Rukwa, Songwe, Mbeya, Njombe, and Ruvuma. According to Dr. Kabyemela, the committee will also review the country’s economic situation and the welfare of its citizens. “The NEC must address the declining individual incomes and broader economic issues,” she concludes.
This meeting is a pivotal moment for CCM, where crucial decisions on national crises and political strategies will be made, potentially reshaping Tanzania’s political landscape. The stakes are sky-high, and the outcomes could redefine CCM’s trajectory and its grip on power. All eyes are on Dar es Salaam, where the future of the party—and perhaps the nation—hangs in the balance.
