CHAMA cha Ukombozi wa Umma (CHAUMMA) presidential candidate Salum Mwalimu has promised sweeping reforms in government systems, with a priority on delivering a new constitution that will guarantee citizens greater freedoms once his party comes to power.

Arriving at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices at 12:10 pm yesterday, Mwalimu, accompanied by his running mate Devotha Minja, said both of them entered the race free from any public debts or scandals.

“I am very pleased that the media has produced presidential and vice-presidential candidates. I trust my fellow journalists will act with fairness,” he told reporters.

He announced that yesterday they were to head to Zanzibar for the official launch of their nationwide campaign to seek sponsorship endorsements in various regions.

According to him, a CHAUMMA government would overhaul outdated systems to ensure Tanzanians can work freely without unnecessary restrictions. 

“We are not afraid of anything. Tanzanians should expect great change from our party, which is committed to transforming the country,” he said.

Mwalimu added that his vision, work ethic and track record would propel him to the presidency. He arrived at the INEC offices in a convoy of vehicles and traditional theatre groups, joined by party National Chairman Hashim Rungwe.

CHAUMMA’s visit to INEC to pick presidential nominations forms came with the first blast of a trumpet, followed by the rhythmic thump of drums, and within minutes, the quiet Tuesday morning was gone.

Mwalimu was coming and he was not coming quietly as at the head of the procession, a police vehicle with officers in full uniform cleared the way.

 Behind it, nearly 150 motorbikes, their riders hoisting party flags that whipped furiously in the wind. Young men and women danced alongside, their faces lit with excitement, singing choruses that mingled with the blare of ‘vuvuzelas’.

Mwalimu, dressed in a crisp shirt, stood high in a white open-top vehicle, waving deliberately to the crowd.

A few metres back, his running mate Minja, rode in a black SUV, her hand slicing the air in time with the chants. Rungwe followed in another black car, smiling broadly, as if soaking in every beat of the drumline.

Outside INEC headquarters, the convoy paused for more than 15 minutes, music and dance claimed the space, the air thick with dust and song.

About nine minutes later, party officials Benson Kigaila, Catherine Ruge, and Suzan Kiwanga emerged from the building, smiling and waving, before ushering Mwalimu and Minja in to receive their nomination forms.

By 12:43 pm, the convoy was moving again, horns blaring, drums still pounding, and with many of the vehicles now being driven by women, a final touch in a morning that had already been more parade than paperwork.