FIVE members of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) have declared their intention to succeed Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa as Member of Parliament for Ruangwa Constituency in Lindi Region, ahead of the general election slated for later this year.

Speaking to Nipashe Digital, CCM District Secretary for Ruangwa, Abbas Mkweta, said that as of today, five party cadres have collected and returned nomination forms seeking to be selected as parliamentary candidates.

He recalled that the form collection and submission process began on June 26 and is set to conclude today at 4:00 p.m., urging any remaining interested members to act swiftly.

“The party members who have submitted their forms are Bakari Nampenya, Philip Makota, Fikiri Liganga, Hashim Mparuka, and Kaspa Muya. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has decided to step aside and give others a chance,” Mkweta said.

According to him, the Prime Minister informed him that he felt it was time to rest and allow other party members to carry the mantle and continue the development of Ruangwa. He added that Majaliwa had promised to support whoever wins the nomination.

“He also gave his blessings to the young cadres so they can serve the nation and asked that we ensure President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi, and Zanzibar President Dr. Hussein Mwinyi secure overwhelming votes in the upcoming general election,” Mkweta added.

One of the contenders, Hashim Mparuka, told Nipashe Digital that he collected the form today and would complete and return it before the deadline, with hopes of carrying on the legacy of the Prime Minister.

On June 26, while addressing Parliament in Dodoma during the closing session of the 19th meeting of the 12th Parliament, Majaliwa had thanked the people of Ruangwa for their continued support and cooperation throughout his tenure.

At the time, he had announced his intention to seek re-election in the constituency. However, he has since changed his mind and decided to step aside in favor of the younger generation.