Tanzania’s ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party has selected Energy Minister Deogratius Ndejembi as its nominee for vice president following the resignation of Emmanuel John Nchimbi less than a year after taking office.
According to Reuters, the party’s National Executive Committee unanimously approved Ndejembi for the position, with his nomination now expected to go before parliament as required under Tanzania’s constitutional process.
CCM Secretary General Asha-Rose Migiro announced the decision, saying Ndejembi would be sworn in after receiving parliamentary approval.
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The leadership change follows Nchimbi’s decision to leave office on September 4. He has served as Tanzania’s vice president since November.
His departure came after criticism within the ruling party over comments he made about Tanzania’s constitution. Last month, Nchimbi called on Tanzanians to push for a new constitution that would advance both national development and human dignity.
CCM has also decided to expel Nchimbi from the party. Migiro said the decision was based on conduct that violated the party’s rules on discipline and ethics, although she did not provide further details about the specific conduct behind the expulsion.
Ndejembi’s selection now places the energy minister in line to become Tanzania’s next vice president once the parliamentary process is completed.
The transition comes under the government of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who secured another term in last year’s presidential election with nearly 98% of the vote. Reuters reported that the election was marred by deadly violence.
Ndejembi’s elevation would place him in one of Tanzania’s highest political offices at a time when the ruling party is managing both a senior leadership transition and renewed debate around constitutional reform.
What This Means For Africa
The change in Tanzania’s vice presidency highlights the influence of the ruling CCM in shaping the country’s political leadership and comes at an important moment for President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration.
For Ndejembi, parliamentary approval would mark a significant move from the energy portfolio into Tanzania’s national executive leadership.
Nchimbi’s departure and expulsion also bring greater attention to internal party discipline and the continuing debate over constitutional reform in Tanzania.
The next stage will be the parliamentary consideration of Ndejembi’s nomination, after which he can formally assume office as Tanzania’s vice president.
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Image Credit: The Tanzania Times
