Tanzania’s Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has declared that he will not run for re-election in the upcoming parliamentary elections, which means he won’t be able to be re-appointed.
Majaliwa had previously stated that he would defend his legislative seat for a fourth time in October before making this surprising announcement on Wednesday.
At 64 years old, he became prime minister in 2015 and was thought to be a potential successor to the late President John Magufuli after his passing in 2021.
He has remained in the role under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is aiming to keep the presidency with the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).
Majaliwa, who has represented the coastal Ruangwa region since 2010, mentioned that his choice was guided by God and he made it “in good faith”.
“It’s time to allow others the chance to come together and build on the development foundation we’ve created,” Majaliwa said, without going into detail about why he decided to withdraw from the elections.
This announcement comes just a week after Majaliwa expressed his intention to seek another term in parliament.
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He also told the residents of Ruangwa last September that he would run again, and his unexpected exit has led to speculation about a power struggle within the ruling party.
Majaliwa stated that he would keep serving as a senior CCM official and support Samia’s presidential campaign.
In Tanzania, the prime minister oversees government operations in parliament and is chosen by the president from among the elected MPs.
Regarded as a calm yet strong leader, Majaliwa is recognized for ensuring a smooth transition
