As Tanzania gears up for the highly anticipated General Elections of October 2025, the ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has once again demonstrated its commitment to inclusive governance and gender equality by releasing a list of nominated women candidates for Special Seats (Viti Maalum) across all regions of Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar.
VITI MAALUMU (UBUNGE)- TANZANIA BARA NA ZANZIBAR - MIKOA 2025.pdf (132.1 KB)
These women have been screened and endorsed by the Central Committee (Kamati Kuu) of CCM and will undergo internal party voting processes, where three names per region will be shortlisted. From these, the National Executive Committee (NEC) will select one final candidate per group. After the national elections, the successful nominees will be officially appointed to Parliament via the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
What Are “Special Seats”?
“Viti Maalum” or Special Seats are constitutionally designated positions in Tanzania’s legislative framework that aim to enhance the participation of women in national leadership. The system ensures that political parties nominate a proportion of women based on their share of votes in the general election.
Examples of Nominated Candidates (By Region):
- Dar es Salaam: Janeth Mahawanga, Doreen Kahwa, Georgina Lukwembe, Amina Said
- Dodoma: Asia Juma Abdallah, Stellar Mamotto, Salama Nyundo
- Geita: Josephine Chagula, Vicky Kamata, Catherine Mbumbe
- Kilimanjaro: Caroline Lyimo, Pamela Mallya, Zuena Bushiri
- Mbeya: Suma Fyandomo, Eng. Maryprisca Mahundi, Ikupa Mwaifwami
- Ruvuma: Jacqueline Msonogozi, Happiness Ngwando, Laura Hyera
- Tanga: Husna Sekiboko, Mwantumu Zodo, Fatuma Shaha
- Zanzibar: Also includes nominations from Unguja and Pemba regions
Over 26 mainland regions and Zanzibar’s islands are represented in this process, with up to 8–9 nominees per region, illustrating the depth of talent and diversity within the CCM women’s wing.
Why This Matters for East Africa
While Kenya continues to struggle with implementing the constitutional two-thirds gender rule, Tanzania’s CCM has already institutionalized a system that brings women into the core of national governance. This progressive move isn’t just about checking boxes—it builds real pathways for women to lead at local and national levels.
Tanzania offers a critical lesson: empowering women through political frameworks results in a more stable, representative, and inclusive society.