CCM presidential candidate Samia Suluhu Hassan has vowed to safeguard Tanzania’s historic union to ensure lasting peace and stability for generations to come.

Addressing a rally at Makunduchi, Unguja South Region yesterday, she unveiled plans to establish a union documentation and memory centre, as a permanent archive of the union’s history, as well as a learning hub for young people and international visitors.

The envisaged centre would be a permanent repository of the union’s history, providing opportunities for visitors to learn about the journey to Tanzania’s unity, she explained.

 “We have honoured the great work of our founding leaders. Our union and our bonds have grown across many areas, and I can now say it has become a solid and unshakable union.

“We have successfully preserved the revolution, the union, peace, stability and harmony in our country. These values have opened doors for wider cooperation and opportunities across the world,” the presidential candidate declared.

Underscoring that elections are not a battle but a democratic process, she appealed to citizens to observe composure and understanding during the campaign season.

 “Peace and stability in our country are more important than anything else. Our defense and security organs in both parts of the union are well prepared to protect this peace. Citizens must remain calm and maintain unity,” she emphasized.

She similarly pledged to roll out new strategies to sustain economic growth, asserting that development is a gradual process requiring patience, consistent investment and strong governance.

The government is focused on addressing challenges linked to urban expansion and population growth, she stated, in the thick of seeking a personal mandate for a five-year term, expressing gratitude to elders in Unguja South for their blessings.

She praised Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi for exemplary delivery in spearheading development in the Isles. “Tangible development has been witnessed, and people’s lives have improved significantly,” she enthused.

The rally, a sea of yellow and green as supporters waved CCM flags and chanted party songs, marked the symbolic start of the candidate’s campaign tour in the Isles, resonating with deep political and personal connection to Zanzibar as the first woman to hold the presidency and a native of the Isles.

She stressed commitment to youth employment, education, healthcare, infrastructure and the blue economy, while the party secretary general Dr Asharose Migiro said that peace, unity and stability were the foundation of Tanzania’s prosperity.

She praised the president’s 4Rs philosophy for uniting the nation. “Through your leadership, you have strengthened national unity, empowered women through clean water and energy access, and shown that peace is non-negotiable,” the party administrator intoned.

Dr Mwinyi, the Isles presidential candidate, urged islanders to vote in large numbers. “Much has been achieved in the Isles. Together with President Samia, we will continue to consolidate peace, reconciliation and development,” he said. 

Makunduchi parliamentary candidate Wanu Hafidh Amir hailed Zanzibaris for protecting peace and pointed to major milestones in education, health and the blue economy.

Voting CCM means guaranteed progress, she said, citing new farming zones; while

Mariam Ali, a small-scale trader, said Samia’s leadership had empowered women: “She understands our struggles and has supported women in business. I believe she will do even more if given another term.”

Juma Khamis Suleiman, a young fisherman, praised her blue economy agenda: “Fishing is our lifeline in Zanzibar. I am encouraged by her promise to expand markets and provide better facilities.”