Retired leaders, analysts nod to ruling party changes

Retired Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) leaders and political analysts have commended the sweeping changes in the ruling party’s constitution in the political capital here yesterday.

The reforms, which have received overwhelming support from party members, are also set to tackle the endless internal threats and merge new path to a stronger political party in the country.

Former presidents Ali Hassan Mwinyi and Jakaya Kikwete hailed the incumbent party Chairman John Magufuli, embracing the reforms as timely and efficient. “What I have seen today is none but Tsunami,’’ said Mr Mwinyi when he was invited by Dr Magufuli to greet the party members.

At the extraordinary meeting of the party’s congress, Mr Kikwete said with over eight million members, the changes made were good for efficient and good performance of the party.

Should all members pay 1,200/- annual membership fee, the party can generate up to 12bn/-. However, as per last year’s financial figures, only 500m/- was collected from members as constitutionalapproved fee.

“The amount (500m/-) is not enough to finance a 388-member National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting that costs over 600m/-,” charged Dr Kikwete, underscoring the importance of all the party members to pay membership fee, pledging continued support from retired leaders to Africa’s longest surviving ruling party.

“We will always be there and if it happens that we have to put on the party’s attire, we will surely do the same to have our party excelling,” he insisted.