CCM Pledges to incorporate CSOs recommentations in 2025-2030 election manifesto

DAR ES SALAAM: THE ruling party – CCM, yesterday pledged to consider key recommendations and advice from the Civil Society Organizations’ alternative election manifesto, as it addresses fundamental issues for the country’s development.

Speaking after receiving the alternative election manifesto from CSOs, the CCM National Deputy Secretary General (Mainland), Mr. John Mongela said the party values the views and opinions of citizens and that it will read and utilize the materials in the document effectively.

The document was presented to Mr. Mongella by the National Coordinator for the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC), Mr. Onesmo Olengurumwa.

“CCM will take into account the issues raised in the CSOs alternative manifesto,” said Mr. Mongella.

He added: “this is a very important document to us as we are preparing for the coming elections. We believe the documents has been prepared with the focus to contribute to the development of the country,”

According to Mr. Mongella, he believes the priorities mentioned in the CSOs’ manifesto align with the party’s agendas, which altogether aim at bringing positive changes in the country.

Mr. Mongella said the 2020 CCM election manifesto, which addressed recommendation from the previous CSOs manifesto, has been largely implemented, and they expect to complete the implementation before the election period.

Furthermore, Mr. Mongella emphasised CCM’s recognition of the importance and contributions of CSOs in meeting citizens’ needs and advancing the country’s development.

“The work you are doing significantly contributes to the development of our country. As a party, we value the role of civil society organizations. We have long seen the government enact and improve laws that regulate these organizations and ensure their effectiveness. This reflects CCM’s policies and constitution, which acknowledge the role of civil society,” said Mr. Mongella.

He added: “we have been monitoring the effectiveness of these organizations because we understand that government systems alone cannot address all citizens’ problems. Therefore, the presence of civil society organizations is essential for our country development.”

On his part, the THRDC national Coordinator, Mr. Onesmo Olengurumwa urged political parties to use the civil society manifesto to understand the people’s priorities and incorporate them into their parties’ election manifestos.

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“We have been presenting this manifesto to political parties. It contains the agendas and priorities of the people. Through this manifesto, political parties can grasp the issues that citizens care about, allowing them to prepare their party manifestos guided by the civil society manifesto. This presents a valuable opportunity for political parties,” said Mr. Olengurumwa.

He highlighted key priorities outlined in the 2024/25 civil society manifesto, including a new constitution, an inclusive economy, sustainable development, resource protection, accountability, and eradicating corruption.
He added that the document also prioritises human rights, good governance, the separation of powers, climate change, national values, and social services.

Since 2015, CSOs have been working in developing General election Manifesto in making sure that most of citizens’ concerns are clearly communicated to Policy makers and policy actors as well.