CCM will not change by merely changing the man at the top. CCM is a sophisticated system built over many years in support of a one party system and mildly changed to "suit" multi-party democracy. It is a dictatorship that dresses itself in the clothes of multiparty democracy while in reality it is hegemony of a self-styled clan of a selected few ruling with an iron fist over a majority.
The selection of John Pombe Joseph Magufuli comes not as a willing choice, but as a necessity to forge a compromise and portray an imagery of unity within the ranks of CCM. The reality remains the same. CCM is a party of petty bourgeoisie, aligned to business people of all ranks bankrolling the party in anticipation of lucrative contracts in the future.
I was not surprised when I saw leading presidential contenders within CCM being accompanied by prominent businessmen. The businessmen were "investing" for the future! Mr. Magufuli will not change the CCM as it is today. He neither has the power nor the clout to do so. He is the product of the same system. He knows the people who put him into that position. He will have to tow the line. Such is the CCM that I know.
The days of the CCM of Nyerere are long gone and CCM has until now failed to produce a strong leader the likes of Nyerere. One other factor. Over the years that CCM has been in power, it has built up a network of ardent supporters, sympathisers and utter fanatics who have been placed in strategic positions throughout the nations institutions. These people will do anything to make sure that CCM stays in power at any cost, even by foul or "hand of God" as one of them put it so squarely recently. For them to do otherwise is suicidal. Come rain come sunshine, CCM is their choice.
Where does this leave us Tanzanians? That is a million dollar question. However, let me point out one obvious thing. Don't expect much from Mr John Pombe Magufuli. You will be disappointed. The struggle for mother Tanzania and its development will still depend on the opposition parties and specifically the likes of CHADEMA and NCCR Mageuzi. That will be the subject of my next input. A luta continua, Venceremos.
The selection of John Pombe Joseph Magufuli comes not as a willing choice, but as a necessity to forge a compromise and portray an imagery of unity within the ranks of CCM. The reality remains the same. CCM is a party of petty bourgeoisie, aligned to business people of all ranks bankrolling the party in anticipation of lucrative contracts in the future.
I was not surprised when I saw leading presidential contenders within CCM being accompanied by prominent businessmen. The businessmen were "investing" for the future! Mr. Magufuli will not change the CCM as it is today. He neither has the power nor the clout to do so. He is the product of the same system. He knows the people who put him into that position. He will have to tow the line. Such is the CCM that I know.
The days of the CCM of Nyerere are long gone and CCM has until now failed to produce a strong leader the likes of Nyerere. One other factor. Over the years that CCM has been in power, it has built up a network of ardent supporters, sympathisers and utter fanatics who have been placed in strategic positions throughout the nations institutions. These people will do anything to make sure that CCM stays in power at any cost, even by foul or "hand of God" as one of them put it so squarely recently. For them to do otherwise is suicidal. Come rain come sunshine, CCM is their choice.
Where does this leave us Tanzanians? That is a million dollar question. However, let me point out one obvious thing. Don't expect much from Mr John Pombe Magufuli. You will be disappointed. The struggle for mother Tanzania and its development will still depend on the opposition parties and specifically the likes of CHADEMA and NCCR Mageuzi. That will be the subject of my next input. A luta continua, Venceremos.
