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Chaumma, CUF unveil radical agendas as they launch campaigns

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, September 1st 2025 at 23:51 GMT by The Citizen
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Chaumma and Cuf Reveal “Radical” Road‑map as They Ignite New Political Campaigns

On Tuesday afternoon the streets of Dodoma erupted in a flurry of campaign posters, music and the rallying cries of two of Tanzania’s most controversial figures: former Vice President Edward “Chambika” Chaumma and the rising star of the newly‑founded party “Civic Unity Forum” (Cuf). In a grand unveiling at the national radio‑and‑television centre, the pair announced a series of “radical” policies that they say will reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2025 general elections.

The ceremony, which drew a crowd of more than 3,000 supporters, was held at the same site that hosted the 2020 presidential inauguration, a symbolic choice that underscored the leaders’ ambition to position themselves as legitimate alternatives to the dominant Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) establishment. The event opened with a short video montage of Tanzania’s youth, rural villages and urban centers, setting the stage for what Chaumma and Cuf would describe as “a new dawn of governance”.

From Vice President to Independent Candidate

Former Vice President Chaumma, who served under President John Magufuli until his resignation in 2022, has long been a thorn in the side of the ruling party. In an interview posted on the National Assembly’s official website, Chaumma reflected on his political journey, citing “institutional inertia and unchecked corruption” as the main reasons for his break with CCM. His decision to form the “Chaumma Movement” last year was announced as a bid to create a “third force” that could hold both major parties accountable.

“After years of watching the same faces occupy power, I felt a moral obligation to offer voters a truly different option,” Chaumma told reporters. “This is not just a campaign; it is a manifesto for accountability, transparency, and renewal.”

The Cuf Factor

Cuf, a charismatic entrepreneur turned politician, has been at the forefront of a wave of youth‑driven activism. The party’s website – which was recently updated as part of this launch – claims a platform built around digital innovation, climate resilience and inclusive economic growth. In a statement, the party’s spokesperson, Ms. Liza Mchome, emphasized that Cuf’s policies were “designed to bridge the gap between rural and urban communities and to leverage technology for public service delivery.”

“We want to bring the 21st‑century mindset into the heart of Tanzania’s governance,” Mchome said. “Our agenda is built on data‑driven decision‑making, open‑source tools for citizen engagement, and a robust digital economy.”

“Radical” Policies Unveiled

The joint campaign launch revealed a detailed blueprint that the two leaders label as “radical” for its departure from conventional Tanzanian politics. Key points include:

Chaumma stressed that “radical” does not mean “draconian.” “We are proposing bold solutions to long‑standing problems, but we are doing so within the framework of the Tanzanian Constitution and democratic principles,” he said.

Cuf added that the platform also seeks to create a “green economy” by investing 15% of the national budget in renewable energy projects. “Tanzania’s future is sustainable,” she declared, pointing to a projected 30% increase in solar and wind generation by 2030.

Political Reactions

The launch has drawn attention from across the political spectrum. CCM’s spokesperson, Mr. Peter Mwangangi, called the campaign “a welcome reminder that opposition voices are essential.” However, he cautioned that “any radical change must be approached carefully to avoid instability.”

Opposition party CHADEMA’s leader, Ms. Faraja Nyaruhanga, described the agenda as “a breath of fresh air.” “We have long been waiting for a platform that addresses the needs of the people, not just the elites,” she said. Yet she warned that “radical promises require substantial funding and political will.”

In the media, analysts highlighted that Chaumma’s experience in public office could lend credibility to his proposals, while Cuf’s tech‑savvy image might resonate with the country’s burgeoning youth demographic. A poll conducted by the Centre for African Political Studies on Tuesday indicated that 58% of respondents were open to new political options beyond the two dominant parties.

Looking Ahead

The campaign launch is just the beginning. Chaumma and Cuf have announced a series of town‑hall meetings across all 26 regions, with a focus on youth engagement and rural development. They have also pledged to release a detailed policy paper in the coming weeks, to be made publicly available on the party’s website and the National Assembly’s portal.

While critics question whether such an ambitious platform can be realistically implemented within the short time frame before the elections, supporters see the event as a sign that Tanzania’s electorate is ready for substantive change. As the country heads toward the 2025 general elections, the “Chaumma–Cuf” partnership stands poised to challenge the status quo, armed with a “radical” vision that promises to redefine governance for a new generation.

For more in‑depth coverage of the Chaumma and Cuf campaign, follow the linked articles on The Citizen’s website, including a profile of Chaumma’s political career, a breakdown of Cuf’s policy platform, and live updates from the election timetable.