Dar es Salaam. The ruling party, CCM, has nominated Mussa Zungu, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Ilala, as its candidate for Speaker of the 13th Parliament.
In a decisive internal election held on Sunday, November 9, 2025, Mr Zungu garnered 348 votes, defeating his rival, former Shinyanga MP Stephen Masele, who received only 16.
Mr Zungu served as Deputy Speaker from 2022 to 2025.
The final election for the Speaker’s post will take place on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in the Parliament Chamber.
The nomination process began when the CCM Central Committee shortlisted the outgoing Speaker, Dr Tulia Ackson, and Mr Zungu.
The competition was reportedly close between Dr Ackson and Mr Zungu until November 7, when Dr Ackson announced her withdrawal from the race.
Dr Ackson, who became Speaker in 2022 following the resignation of the late Job Ndugai and had previously served as Deputy Speaker from 2015, did not disclose her reasons for stepping aside.
Her exit left Mr Zungu as the stronger candidate with Mr Masele, another entrant in the process, as the final candidates before the internal ballot.
CCM legislators also elected Daniel Sillo, Member of Parliament-elect from Babati Rural, as the party’s nominee for Deputy Speaker.
Mr Sillo’s two opponents, Timotheo Mzava of Korogwe Rural and Najma Giga (Special Seats), withdrew from the race before voting commenced.
He ended receiving 362 votes.
Mr Sillo was first elected to Parliament in 2020, where he chaired the Budget Committee and served as Deputy Minister for Home Affairs.
