A NEWLY appointed member of the CCM National Executive Council (NEC), Namelock Sokoine, has called on party leaders involved in candidate nominations and vetting to uphold fairness and integrity as the country heads toward the 2025 General Election.

Speaking in Arusha yesterday during her official welcome following the appointment by CCM National Chairperson, President   Samia Suluhu Hassan, Sokoine also urged party officials to avoid favouritism and abuse of power when selecting candidates for internal party positions.

“Let us be fair to all aspirants and not use our positions to favour some and suppress others,” she said. “After the elections, we must continue living together. Let us not harm one other through the electoral processes.”

She emphasised that internal contests should not divide the party, reminding members that elections are a contest of ideas, not a source of conflicts.

“We are not going to war; we are going to compete. Leaders must not use their positions to sideline others, especially those who are not present in decision-making forums,” she added.

Sokoine expressed gratitude to President Samia for the trust placed in her through the NEC appointment, promising to serve with honesty, humility and commitment to the party’s principles.

“I will serve CCM members and the people of Arusha faithfully and support the chairperson in implementing the party's vision,” she said.

Her message was echoed by CCM Arusha regional chairman, Thomas ole Sabaya, who congratulated Sokoine and commended her as a strong and principled woman leader from Monduli.

Sabaya highlighted Monduli’s legacy of producing national leaders, including former prime ministers the late Edward Moringe Sokoine and Edward Lowassa, saying Namelock Sokoine continues that tradition of public service and leadership.

He noted that her appointment reflects President Samia’s continued confidence in the people of Arusha Region and particularly in women leaders.

“This appointment is not just a personal achievement for Sokoine, but recognition of Monduli's contribution to the national political landscape,” Sabaya said.

Sokoine now joins CCM’s top decision-making body at a critical time as the party prepares for internal elections and the October General Election.