48th Anniversary of Tanzania's Ruling Party CCM: The Beginning of the End or Another Political Milestone?
On February 5, 2025, Tanzania’s ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), marks its 48th anniversary since its founding in 1977. Established through the merger of the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) and the Afro-Shirazi Party (ASP), CCM has been the dominant political force in Tanzania, maintaining uninterrupted power for nearly five decades. However, as the country approaches the October general elections, the question arises: Is this CCM’s last birthday as the ruling party, or will it extend its political dominance?
This essay explores CCM’s historical resilience, its contemporary challenges, the strengths of the opposition, and the likelihood of a political transition in Tanzania.