THE ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has amended its constitution to grant the Central Committee of the National Executive Council the power to nominate candidates beyond the usual three names submitted by District and Regional Political Committees — when necessary.

CCM National Chairperson and President Samia Suluhu Hassan made these remarks during the party’s National Congress held today, July 26, 2025, in Dodoma.

President Samia explained that the amendment addresses challenges arising from the growing number of aspirants following earlier reforms that expanded internal party democracy.

“We expanded democracy by increasing the number of voters in the internal selection process, which encouraged more members to seek candidacy,” she said.

The Head o State added: “In some areas, we now have up to 40 aspirants. Narrowing that number down to only three isn’t always wise — and at the same time, the Central Committee was limited by the constitution and couldn’t add more names,” 

“So, we’ve come back to you (Congress members) to request approval for this change. We want it to be openly debated,” she stressed..

At the time of reporting, delegates were voting to approve or reject the proposed constitutional amendment.