By Deodatus Balile, JamhuriMedia, Mwanza
Today, July 30th, 2025, we’ve published a special edition in our weekly investigative newspaper – JAMHURI —featuring aspirants endorsed by the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM). Some prominent names have been left out, such as the MP for Bumbuli, January Makamba, the MP for Kisesa, Luhanga Mpina, and many others. Also among those who “jumped off the train while it was still moving” is Tanzania’s former ambassador to Cuba, Humphrey Polepole.
On a serious note, let me be blunt. There are two popular sayings by Mwalimu Julius Nyerere: “Our country has no religion” and “The State House is a sacred place.” Just about a week ago, I wrote a piece about Polepole, stating that this young man is “ungovernable.” In that article, I tackled many issues, including his claim that procedures were violated in the appointment of Samia Suluhu Hassan as President following the demise of President John Pombe Magufuli on Much 17th, 2021, and in her bid to run as CCM’s presidential candidate for 2025. Yet, when President Samia appointed Polepole as Ambassador to Cuba, no procedure was said to have been violated!
I am a firm believer in the rule of law, because governing by law brings about good governance. I explained, and it is publicly clear, that Article 37(5) of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania states that if the sitting president dies, the Vice President shall be sworn in to serve the remainder of the term. This article should be read together with Article 40(4) of the 1977 Constitution.
Since Polepole seems to be deliberately misleading the public, claiming that it is against our national tradition for a Vice President to become President, I am compelled to respond—especially since some people seem to believe what he says and even cheer him on. But here’s what those articles say:
Article 37(5):“If the office of President becomes vacant due to death, resignation, loss of qualifications, or incapacity to perform the duties due to physical illness or inability to carry out presidential functions, then the Vice President shall be sworn in and shall become President for the remainder of the five-year term, subject to the conditions in Article 40. After consultation with the political party from which the President hails, the new President shall propose a Vice President whose appointment must be confirmed by a vote of no less than fifty percent of all Members of Parliament.”
Article 40(4):
“If the Vice President assumes the presidency under the conditions set out in Article 37(5) and serves for less than three years, they shall be eligible to run for President for two terms. But if they serve for three years or more, they may only run for President once.”
Reading both articles in tandem and recalling that President Samia took office under Article 37(5) on March 19, 2021, by October 2025 she will have served more than three years. Therefore, she is eligible to run for only one term—2025 to 2030. After that, the Constitution bars her from running again.
On a serious note, let me be blunt again: I am certain Polepole read that article I wrote about him, yet he continues to offer legally baseless arguments. In this context, I’m inclined to believe Mwalimu Nyerere’s words—it seems Polepole is trying every possible to get to the State House, but sees President Samia as an obstacle to his ambitions.
January Makamba and Luhanga Mpina have different temperaments. While Mpina could lay his head on the wheels of a moving train, January used jungle tactics. It’s been reported, and even he has occasionally said, that he’s aiming for the presidency— but not now, the target is 2030. There are leaked recordings of his allies praising him (Makamba) and attacking President Samia.
Essentially, Makamba has a faction, and through this nomination process, many of his followers have been left out. A few have made it through, but considering the competition in their constituencies, it’s like watching a goat run into the kitchen—you let it meet its fate with the cook. The opinion polls may still surprise us regarding those who made it through.
Again, I write this piece to correct politicians whose ambitions are clouding their vision. If President Samia had not overseen the completion of the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, or launched the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and begun other major phases, or supplied water to rural areas and extended REA electricity to almost every village—what would them be saying about her?
President Samia has acted with integrity. In health, education, and governance, she has given people opportunities and openly stated that she is aware of all factions—but she has brought them together. Unfortunately, I repeat, unfortunately, I think some of these senior figures have misjudged her. They see her as just a woman and thought they could manipulate her.
Some had the audacity to claim that without them the Cabinet could not function. They are now outside the Cabinet, and everything is moving smoothly. As we head into internal party primaries, this should serve as a barometer to select candidates who are self-aware—those with selfish agendas should be rejected.
No matter what, we must remember that Tanzania is one. While defending your political interests, remember that peace, unity, harmony, tranquility and solidarity must remain the pillars of our national pride. No one is forbidden from speaking—but let the manner of expression be respectful.
Language is crucial in delivering messages. Candidates should convince citizens to vote for them, but should not forget that the ultimate goal is to serve the people—not future presidential races. If Tanzanians are content with what they have, greater things will come by God’s grace. God bless Tanzania.
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