John AdoyiTanzania’s Prime Minister, Kassim Majaliwa, has announced that he will not seek re-election in the country’s forthcoming parliamentary elections, bringing an end to a 15-year stint in the National Assembly and his tenure as Member of Parliament for Ruangwa Constituency.
Majaliwa, who has represented Ruangwa since 2010 and was appointed Prime Minister in 2015 under the late President John Magufuli, made the announcement on Wednesday during a meeting with members of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party in Ruangwa District.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“Now the time has come, through the unity we have built, to give an opportunity to the people of Ruangwa, born and raised here, and who are passionate about development, to now join forces so that our slogan ‘Ruangwa for Development is Possible’ can be realised,” Majaliwa told party faithful.
The 64-year-old leader said the decision followed deep personal reflection on his political journey and was guided by faith and a commitment to serve.
READ ALSO: Kenya’s Top Lawyers Sue Tanzania At East African Court Over Border Rights Violations
“For us, the people of Ruangwa, let us view this change as something normal — it is a journey that is also guided by Almighty God. God has a plan for each person, their work, their path, their beginning, and their end,” he said.
He added: “Therefore, this decision too has been guided by God with the best intentions. The party cadres who have come today to collect nomination forms have also been guided by God to do so. But in the end, it is the citizens who will make the decision to choose one among them.”
READ ALSO: Iran Suspends Cooperation With UN Nuclear Watchdog Following US Strikes
His decision was confirmed by Abbas Makwetta, CCM Secretary for Ruangwa District. “Honourable Majaliwa came today and announced that he will not contest the parliamentary seat again,” Mr Makwetta told The Citizen, a Tanzanian daily.
“He reflected on his 15-year journey in Parliament and said it was time to give others the opportunity.”
Majaliwa began his public career as a teacher and civil servant before entering politics. He rose swiftly through the CCM ranks and was named Prime Minister in 2015 in what was widely considered a surprise appointment. He has held the position since, continuing under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan after Magufuli died in 2021.
Tanzania is expected to hold general elections in October 2025, with citizens set to elect a new president and members of parliament. As CCM opens the floor to new contenders, the race to succeed Majaliwa in Ruangwa will be closely watched, particularly as the party seeks to retain its stronghold in the region.
