MAKONDA OKAYED ARUSHA URBAN CANDIDATE

Former Arusha Regional Commissioner (RC), Mr Paul Christian Makonda, has been nominated by Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), to contest the Arusha Urban parliamentary seat in the October 29 General Election.
His landslide victory in party primaries – where he polled 97 per cent of the votes – came after the incumbent MP, Mr Mrisho Mashaka Gambo, was disqualified during the vetting process.
CCM also nominated Dr Johannes Lembulung’ Lukumay as contestant for Arumeru West and Mr Daniel Awack Tlemah as the party’s flag bearer in Karatu. Dr Steven Lemomo Kiruswa will contest in Longido and Mr Joshua Nassari in Arumeru East seat. Mr Nassari was an opposition MP before he defected to CCM.
In Monduli, the former incumbent, Mr Fred Lowassa, son of former Prime Minister, the late Edward Lowassa, was dropped despite leading in primaries. The constituency will now be contested by Mr Isack Copriao, while Yannick Ikayo Ndoinyo will carry the party’s flag Ngorongoro constituency, where the incumbent Emmanuel Ole Sangai, was also dropped. . CCM has also endorsed Ms Marirta Gido Kivunge and Ms Chiku Athuman Issa, who led the party’s primaries for the women’s wing seats in the region. National campaigns will run from August 28 to October 28. The government has declared October 29, 2025 a public holiday to allow people cast their votes.
Meanwhile, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has appointed CPA Amos Makalla as the new Arusha RC, swapping positions with Mr Kenani Kihongosi, who has been moved to CCM headquarters as the new Head of Publicity and Ideology.
CCM has also appointed Amb. Dr Asha-Rose Migiro, former Foreign Affairs Minister and UN Deputy Secretary General as its Secretary General (SG), becoming the first woman to hold the powerful position in the party’s 48-year history. CCM was formed on February 5, 1977 after merging the Mainland’s Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) and Zanzibar’s Afro-Shiraz Party (ASP).
Amb. Dr Migiro takes over from Amb. Dr John Nchimbi who has been named the running-mate of President Samia in the coming presidential election. The incumbent Vice-President, Dr Philip Mpango who has retired.
Political observers say the twin developments – the unveiling of CCM’s nominees and the leadership reshuffle – set the stage for an intense election season in Arusha, a region known for its vibrant and competitive politics. With Mr Makonda flying CCM’s ticket in Arusha Urban and CPA Makalla taking charge of the region’s administration, the coming weeks are expected to shape the dynamics of one of the most closely watched races in the country.
The main opposition Chadema, has been disqualified from contesting the elections after the party refused to sign a code of conduct with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding reforms first before they enter the race.
Opposition parties ACT-Wazalendo and Chaumma have fielded Mr Saidi Njuki and Mr John Lema, respectively, to contest the Arusha Urban parliamentary seat.