Credit: GCIS. A particularly popular cadre within Chama cha Mapinduzi CCM , for example, could take over two hours to make the short journey as their peers throng around them in the hopes of having a word or shaking their hand. Over the past 20 years, this is not a problem John Pombe Magufuli has often had to contend with. His strolls to and from the debating chamber have always been notably brisk. But the appointment of Magufuli to the head of CCM last month has raised concerns amongst many within the party.
However, now that this outsider is to lead that party, some insiders claim the former minister of works could make reckless reforms based on his limited understanding of its inner workings. But their concerns no doubt remain. Over the decades, CCM has had five chairpersons, including Magufuli. Historically, becoming a Great Leader has required chairs to immerse themselves in the traditions that built and influenced the party.
Their success has typically depended on their ability to understand that — like most African liberation parties that have survived over five decades — CCM is not just a political organisation but also a psychological movement, one founded on a coastal, Swahili culture. The first leader of the party was President Julius Nyerere, who was famed for his oratory skills and use of Swahili. His successor, Ali Hassan Mwinyi, was also a master of Swahili and was born and bred on the coast. And although it took some effort, Kikwete managed to master CCM politics by ensuring he attended important funerals in Dar es Salaam and spent time socialising with ordinary members, sitting on mkekas , hugging them dearly, and sharing meals.
Dr Benson Bana, a political scientist at the University of Dar es Salaam, downplays the notion that Magufuli does not understand the party, pointing out that he has been a member of it for 40 years. However, it is clear that the new president has not been nearly as engaged in CCM as his predecessors. For example, when the Constituent Assembly was created in as part of the reform process, Magufuli was one of the last of the members to be sworn in and rarely attended sessions.
Moreover, as his CCM colleagues spent hours lobbying each other — often emotionally — before they had to vote on the first draft of the new constitution, Magufuli was notably absent. When the time came to cast his ballot, he simply walked in, voted and left — presumably walking uninterrupted back to his car. Amongst ordinary Tanzanians, he is more popular than his party and still largely enjoys the good will of the public. This is in contrast to his predecessors who would emphasise that they were overseeing a CCM government and often talk of the party.
