The ban was slapped on the presidential hopefuls by the CCM ethics
committee after they were found guilty of launching preliminary
presidential campaigns prematurely against party ethics and regulations.
With the ban lifted the cadres would now be free to pick CCM presidential nomination forms when times reaches.
The cadres are former Prime Minister Edward Lowassa, Foreign
Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Bernard Membe, Sengerema
MP William Ngeleja, Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Stephen
Wassira, Former Prime Minister Frederick Sumaye and Deputy Minister for
Communication, Science and Technology January Makamba.
The Central Committee extended the ban on the six members during
its meeting held end of February this year, creating uncertainty over
whether they would actively take part in the party’s presidential
nomination process.
During the CC held in February this year the party suspended three
former ministers — Prof Anna Tibaijuka, Andrew Chenge and William
Ngeleja — from attending National Executive Committee (NEC) and CC
meetings after they were implicated in the Tegeta escrow account
scandal.
According to the press statement released yesterday in Dodoma and
read to press by CCM Secretary for Publicity and Ideology Nape Nnauye,
the six cadres had finished serving their punishment.
CC decision came after assessing the disciplinary committee which started early yesterday (Thursday) here in the city.
Soon after the disciplinary committee meeting ended, CC top members
who were Chairman, Jakaya Kikwete, Deputy Chairman (Mainland) Philip
Mangula, Secretary General Abdulrahman Kinana, CCM Deputy Chairman
(Zanzibar) Ali Mohamed Shein, former Zanzibar Chief Minister Shamsi Vuai
Nahodha and Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda were forced to hold an
emergency meeting to discuss the matter.
Nnauye said that since the Central Committee has decided to free the cadres they are now free to proceed with party activities.
He further added that, the punishment which existed for not less
than 12 months, the CC has received and accepted the recommendations of
the Security and Ethics Committee suggesting to allow them to proceed
with party activities.
The CC also advised the cadres and other people who are willing to
contest for presidential aspirants to read and understand the stipulated
regulations of the party so that they don’t get penalised.
“All those who are expecting to contest for presidential position
but do not observe party rules and regulations will be punished
accordingly,” he added.
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