OPENING SPEECH BY THE CHAIRMAN OF (CCM), HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT BENJAMIN WILLIAM MKAPA, AT THE SIXTH ORDINARY CCM NATIONAL CONGRESS, CHIMWAGA – DODOMA, 29 OCTOBER 2002

Your Excellency Joaquim Alberto Chissano, President of the Republic of Mozambique and Chairman of FRELIMO; Your Excellency , Retired President and CCM Chairman; Honourable John Samwel Malecela, MP, CCM Vice-Chairman; Honourable Dr. , CCM Vice-Chairman; Honourable Armando Guebuza, FRELIMO Secretary-General; Honourable , CCM Secretary-General; Honourable Rashidi Mfaume Kawawa, Retired CCM Secretary-General; Honourable Mama Maria Nyerere; Honourable Mama Fatma Karume; Honourable Members of the Central Committee and National Executive Committee of CCM; Honourable Comrade Delegates; Our Distinguished Guests; Ladies and Gentlemen.

I welcome all Delegates to the Sixth Ordinary National Congress of the Ruling Party – Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM). Your presence here is illustrative of CCM’s democratic credentials. For, you did not just decide to come to Chimwaga. You have been sent here by those who own this party – namely all CCM members – to come and make important decisions on their behalf, in pursuit of national interests. You went through a rigorous democratic electoral process in all corners of our country, and you emerged victorious. I congratulate you.

I trust that you have all been received well, that you found a good place to sleep, that you are being provided with all essential services, and that you are all, therefore, ready for the important work that brought us here. It is a great honour to be entrusted with this work; we must live up to what is expected of us. As I survey this hall, I see everywhere excitement that is almost palpable. It is my hope that we will all direct our excitement to those basic issues for the sustenance and development of our Party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi, and our Nation.

On your behalf, I want to thank our hosts, the people of Dodoma, and the Party Secretariat, for the work they have done to prepare for this Congress. I know some of the people of Dodoma had to work round the clock to ensure the preparatory work is concluded, and all delegates and guests are well received. It is not an easy task; but those are the responsibilities that come with being the national capital. On behalf of all the delegates, I thank you for what you have done.

I should like to recognise the good work done by engineers, technicians and our young people who worked hard, day and night, to ensure this building, and the hall we are in, are properly spruced up. Their good work is evident to all, and we thank them for what they have done.

I especially welcome our elders and retired leaders of TANU, ASP and CCM. I am pleased that the retired Chairman, Mzee Ali Hassan Mwinyi, and the retired Secretary-General, Mzee Rashidi Mfaume Kawawa, are both here. They have continued to be our fortress, and a fountain of wisdom for the leaders of today. And they have kept the fountain open for us to access their wisdom as and when we so desire. The challenge before us is to learn from their example of self-less dedication to serving others.

You all know that Mzee Kawawa has done more than his fair share of service to this country. He has every right to rest. Yet, in view of his great love for the Party, he did not let his ill-health stand in the way of his coming here to support and encourage us. I thank our elders for coming. At a personal level, I thank them for always being a ready source of advice and encouragement in the difficult task of leading the Party and the Government.

I am gratified that we shall today honour the founders of our Party in different ways. We shall honour the co-founder of the Nation, and first Chairman of ASP, the late Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume. We will hand over to the family of the late Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, the Party’s No. 1 Card. We shall also launch a book on the life of Mzee Rashidi Mfaume Kawawa. It is right that we do these things; but it is even more important that this should be a learning experience for us – that we should honour them by walking in their footsteps, by being true nationalists, leaders of integrity, selflessly serving others, and loving our nation and our fellow Tanzanians.

Our Vice-Chairman (), Dr. Salmin Amour, has decided not to stand for re-election to this post. On your behalf, I want to thank him very much for all he did during his leadership. He has served the Party, and our two Governments, for many years, and with a zeal that left the Opposition in disarray. He paid due attention to the interests of the Party and his fellow Tanzanians; and I am sure he will continue to do so for the rest of his life. We thank you, Dr. Salmin Amour, for that dedicated service to the Party and our Governments, and for the good example you have shown by passing on the tongs of leadership under the most pleasant circumstances. We are sure to continue drawing on your experience and wisdom in the affairs of the Party and our two Governments. I thank you.

Honourable Comrade Delegates, On your behalf, I thank all our guests for accepting our invitation to this National Congress. I especially thank you, Comrade Joaquim Alberto Chissano, President of the Republic of Mozambique and Chairman of FRELIMO, the ruling party, for agreeing to come. And we appreciate the fact that you came with such a strong delegation that truly reflects the strength of the sentiments of friendship and blood relations between our two countries and peoples, and between CCM and FRELIMO.

Among others, you came with FRELIMO’s Secretary-General, Comrade Armando Guebuza. He is not a stranger to our country; he is a fellow revolutionary and an ardent advocate of the freedom and rights of African people. On behalf of Chama Cha Mapinduzi, and in the presence of all delegates to this Congress, I congratulate you, Comrade Guebuza, for your election as Secretary-General of FRELIMO at the last Congress of your Party, on 13 – 14 June 2002, to which Congress you were kind enough to invite us. Such close relations are an illustration of a long history of friendship, comradeship, co-operation and solidarity, in both good and bad times. But they are especially useful in passing on to our youth, in both countries, these sentiments. They need to know where we came from, and where we need to direct our efforts so as to further strengthen relations between our two countries, and our two parties. We must bequeath to our youth our deep friendship and our multifaceted relations.

We, in CCM, are proud of what FRELIMO has achieved in Mozambique. Not only did you liberate your country – by the sweat of your brows and the blood of your combatants – but also you have now liberated it from insecurity, and are rightly focussing on economic growth. Under your able leadership, President Chissano, Mozambique is now peaceful and stable—politically and in terms of security. In addition, Mozambique continues to make impressive gains in economic growth and poverty reduction.

We congratulate you, President Chissano, and the FRELIMO Secretary-General, Comrade Guebuza, for the successes you attained in restoring peace and stability in your country. The United Nations estimates that in the 16 years of civil war in your country, more than 40 percent of all schools were destroyed or closed; more than 40 percent of health facilities were destroyed or closed; and many industries were destroyed such that at the end of the war, industrial production was only 20 – 40 percent of what it was before the war. It is further estimated that the total cost of the war on the Mozambican economy was USD 15 billion, or several times the country’s GDP before the war.

Your success in ending the war through negotiations has two important lessons for all Africans. First, civil war fuels poverty, and it has no benefit to the average citizen. Second, we learn that when there is political will among the leadership of the belligerents, it is possible to end war pretty quickly. This is a lesson that countries in the Great Lakes region have to learn from your experience.

We also congratulate you on your economic successes. Last year, you attained an average growth rate in excess of 9.2 percent, compared to a continental average of only 4.4 percent. We congratulate you.

In politics, I want to especially commend you for enhancing the position of women in the political decision-making levels of your Government. We have agreed in SADC that women must occupy at least 30 percent of all the seats in our Parliaments. You have already attained this goal, and I want to congratulate you before this National Congress. I want our delegates to understand why I am so determined that we should also reach that target before I leave office in 2005.

Honourable Comrade Delegates, As I said, this is an Ordinary Session of the National Congress. Section 74(2) of the Party Constitution states that, ―The National Congress of CCM shall be the highest organ of CCM, and it shall have the final say and authority on all Party matters.‖

In exercise of that authority, we shall, among other things, do two main things. First, we shall receive and discuss a report on the Party’s activities over the last 5 years. We shall also receive a report from our two Governments on the implementation of our Election Manifesto for the 2000 General Elections. This should help everyone to understand the state of politics in the country, as well as what has been achieved in social and economic development, and the direction and priorities ahead. Secondly, we shall conclude the long process of electing Party leaders at all levels by electing people to the remaining positions at national level. Since you will receive detailed reports, I will only address a few broad issues.

Politics

Honourable Comrade Delegates, We have, in the last 5 years, continued to successfully discharge our mandate as the Ruling Party. Today, all ears and eyes, including those of our political opponents, are directed towards Dodoma, and Chimwaga in particular. For, everyone knows that the future and destiny of our country is in the hands of those of you in this hall. Time and time again, our fellow citizens have renewed their faith in us, confident that with CCM in charge, our country will remain at peace, and that our national interests will be safeguarded and promoted. It is, therefore, unacceptable that this Congress should fail to live up to the confidence reposed in us by our fellow CCM members, and our fellow Tanzanians. There can’t be any excuses for shoddy work. We have to discharge this mandate with the profound seriousness and utmost diligence it deserves.

We were returned to power with a landslide victory in the General Elections of 2000, such that it is now difficult for the Opposition even to qualify for the title of Official Opposition in Parliament. There are too few of them. When I travel abroad, I feel good and confident, knowing I have been put in power with 72 percent of the votes cast in that election. Clearly, the vast majority of Tanzanians trust me, and they trust our Party. I thank you all for what you did to ensure victory for the Party; and I thank our fellow Tanzanians for their confidence in us.

Taking into account this victory, CCM could have ignored all other political parties. But we have maintained civilised political conduct, and earned credit for the democratic nature of our Party, and our commitment to good democratic governance. In addition, we have, on our own accord, established the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance. We have shown – not by words but by deeds – that we are fully committed to a multi-party democratic political dispensation. You will have noted that, regardless of the weakness of opposition political parties, I have personally shown great respect to their leaders, inviting some of them to State House for broad discussions. I will meet the remaining ones next month once I return to Dar es Salaam. Ultimately, God willing, we will establish a permanent mechanism for consultation and civilised dialogue between all political parties. This, however, has to be for the national interest, not for the personal interest of political leaders.

The truth is that—for such a pre-eminent and predominant Ruling Party as ours is—we have tried hard to create a level political playing field. The weakness of opposition political parties cannot fairly be blamed on CCM. We have not harboured any ill will, or undermined, any political party. We do not need to.

It is also true that the agreement between CCM and CUF (Muafaka) has enhanced the image of our country, within and outside our borders. We negotiated and reached this agreement ourselves, without external assistance or facilitation. Today, when I travel abroad, I am showered with praise, on your behalf, on what we have achieved. Others need to learn from us on how, as Africans, we could solve our problems through dialogue, without resorting to swords or guns. On the part of CCM, we entered into Muafaka for the national interest, and with undivided commitment. We have, consequently, fulfilled our responsibilities—as the Ruling Party—in implementing the Muafaka. We will continue to do so. But the other Party also has responsibilities and undertakings under the Muafaka. The other side of rights is responsibilities. We urge them to equally live up to their commitments, in words and in deeds.

Honourable Comrade Delegates, I want, before you, to thank the President of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Honourable Amani , for his unmistakable love for his fellow Zanzibaris, of all political persuasions, and his love for his fellow Tanzanians. He has given priority to their interests, including their need to live in peace, stability, solidarity and cooperation, as well as their need for political, social and economic development, and especially for success in the war against poverty. President Karume comes from CCM; and there is only one CCM. The successes of the Government that he leads, are the successes and source of pride of CCM; and they help to enhance the stature of our Party in the people’s eyes, and internationally. You will receive a report on what has been achieved in Zanzibar. Above all, he has implemented, and continues to implement, the Muafaka with seriousness, diligence and goodwill, in accordance with the laws of the land. I thank you, President, for what you have accomplished.

Honourable Comrade Delegates, In line with our foreign policy, we have continued to build and promote good relations with other countries, particularly neighbouring ones. Tanzanians are peace-loving people, who want the best of relations and cooperation with all countries. The relations with our neighbours are good, but the burden of hosting refugees from some of them, particularly Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is weighing too heavily on our shoulders. These refugees are not only a social and economic burden; they are also a threat to our environment, as well as a threat to peace and security for our people and our Nation.

We have continued to argue the case for reviewing the existing international regime for dealing with refugees. Such a review is long overdue, for even the kind of refugees we have today is a far cry from those in the post-World War II era, for which the present regime was created in 1951. The time has come for these refugees to be given safe havens within their own countries, under international supervision and protection. In any case, Tanzania cannot accept the proposition that we should grant blanket naturalisation for these refugees whose number is close to one million!!

Economy

Honourable Comrade Delegates, In today’s world, politics is economics, and economics is politics. Our victory at the polls was a mandate to generate economic growth. And for us in CCM, it is not only a matter of engendering growth; it is also a matter of ensuring the benefits are broadly shared.

In the last 5 years, we tried to encourage production so as to generate economic growth. But, having undertaken economic reforms, most of the production has shifted to individual people, and the private sector, both local and foreign.

The primary responsibility of the Government in the economy is to design correct policies and oversee their implementation, as well as to create a conducive environment for investment, production, and services. We have done much in that regard, earning accolades from International Financial Institutions and Bilateral Donors. You must have heard that a few days ago I launched the Eastern Africa Technical Assistance Centre (EAST-AFRITAC) in Dar es Salaam. The Centre, which will serve 6 Eastern African countries of Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Eritrea, is being established in Dar es Salaam by the IMF out of recognition of what we have done to improve macro- economic policy and management.

International Financial Institutions, and the donor community as a whole, have agreed that we have the right to make our own policy choices, to own our development process, and to implement the decisions we make. In this new partnership, their role is to empower us to make correct choices and to implement them. The EAST-AFRITAC in Dar es Salaam will not dictate to us what to do, it will only assist in building our own technical capacity to analyse issues and trends, and to make informed decisions taking into account national and international developments. In other words, the Centre will help us to exercise better our sovereign right to make our own choices.

Among our successes in the last 5 years, which will be elaborated upon in the Government reports to be presented to you at this Congress, are the following:

 The rate of economic growth reached 5.6 percent last calendar year, a rate that is higher than the African average of 4.4 percent.

 The magnitude of Foreign Direct Investment has increased. Almost USD 1 billion has been invested in the country in the last 5 years, making Tanzania one of the leading investment destinations in sub-Saharan Africa.

 Inflation is now below 5 percent. In June 2002 it was only 4.5 percent.

 We have a Poverty Reduction Strategy Programme, supported by our development partners, which is currently under implementation involving all stakeholders.

 We have qualified for the enhanced HIPC debt relief initiative, and the debt relief we get is channelled to those sectors with the greatest impact on poverty reduction such as education, health, water, rural roads and HIV/AIDS.

 We have significantly reduced domestic suppliers arrears, thereby increasing money circulation in the economy.

 We have increased revenue collection. Five years ago, the average monthly collection was Tsh. 45 billion. Last month, September 2002, we reached an unprecedented collection of Shs.101.4 billion.

 We have strengthened financial management and control, as well as increased transparency in government expenditure. We publish quarterly reports of government revenue and expenditure, including allocations to different sectors, ministries, regions and local government councils.

 We are finalising the establishment of regulatory agencies in respect of the various services and utilities that will now be provided by the private sector, in order to protect consumers and the national interest.

Honourable Comrade Delegates, There are also many lessons we have learnt as a government, and as Tanzanians, over the last 5 years. I will mention a few.

 We have learnt that it is not possible to enjoy a modern life without first building a modern economy that can sustain the cost of such a modern life. A modern life cannot be financed by a dependent and backward economy. And a modern economy is one driven by knowledge and technology, which can only be acquired by cooperating with those investors who have the requisite knowledge and skills.

 We have learnt that a modern economy requires capital. We do not have sufficient domestic capital, so we must attract Foreign Direct Investment from wherever it is available. We have a proverb: ―An Indian may be bad; but the business he brings is therapeutic.‖ And for us, what is important is the capital; we do not have to ―like‖ the investor. In addition, we in CCM believe that all human beings share a common brotherhood, and that there is only one Africa.

 We have learnt that in a globalising world, characterised by intense competition in attracting investment and trade, it is necessary to create a conducive environment to attract investments, and build the capacity to compete.

 We have learnt that a modern economy requires everyone to work hard, not to engage in idle talk. We have learnt that life is a struggle.

 We have learnt that globalisation, and a market economy, are facts of life in today’s world, and they are inexorable. It is of no use spending all the time complaining. We have, by all means, to protest at an unfair global system. But, we also have to work hard to make the most of a bad situation, because for the time being this is the only global system we have.

 We have learnt that we cannot fight poverty by depending on other people. We have a proverb: ―He who depends on relatives, dies a poor person‖. If we are serious about fighting poverty, we must increase production and profitability, and create surplus, in our economy.

 We have learnt that we can significantly increase investment capital by mobilising domestic resources through savings. Community Banks, Savings and Credit Societies, and Cooperative Societies are a good way to address the capital needs of small and medium scale enterprises, including farmers and businesspeople.

 We have learnt that in a modern economy, and a competitive environment, what is important is not who owns an industry or a service, but where it is located, what it produces, at what level of quality, and which people get the jobs. We are increasingly under pressure to open up our economy, in line with regional integration arrangements, and global rules of trade. If we do not attract investments so as to increase our domestic capacity to produce goods and services competitively, we shall end up as one large bazaar for goods produced in other countries, thereby providing jobs for people in those other countries.

 We have learnt that, when carefully done, privatisation is the least-cost option for reviving production, improving service delivery and increasing the competitiveness of failing public enterprises.

 We have learnt that food insecurity is an affront to humanity, and an obstacle in our efforts to defend our dignity and independence. It is also an obstacle to our war on poverty. This year we have attained food self-sufficiency, but long-term self- sufficiency requires that we increase agricultural yields, that we reduce post-harvest losses, and that we invest more in irrigation. We will put more effort in these areas.

Social Services

Honourable Comrade Delegates, You will be informed of our successes in improving social services. On my part, I want to mention only two areas – education and health. We have tried hard to meet our commitments in the 2000 CCM Election Manifesto, especially with regard to school enrolment, abolishing school fees in primary schools, employment of new teachers, and the construction of new classrooms, teacher houses, staff rooms, desks and latrines.

You will be given statistics later. What is important is always to bear in mind that education and training are key drivers of economic growth and sustainers of a modern life. We should not forget also that just as competition for goods and services is increasing, there will also be heightened competition in the labour market as we open up our borders for the free movement of people, within the East African Community and, ultimately, the SADC region. In this competition, the critical factor will be the quality of education our people have, the initiative and drive they bring to work, and a correct attitude towards work. I urge my fellow Tanzanians to wake up before it is too late.

On the health front, we are focusing on preventive health care. Prevention is not only better than cure; it is also less expensive. I would, therefore, urge you all to go back to your respective areas and embark on a campaign to ensure all children get vaccinated, that every household has a proper toilet and uses it, and that all households boil drinking water, and use treated mosquito nets. Greater attention also needs to be put on education and counselling for the prevention of the spread of HIV/AIDS. Everything else we are doing will come to nothing if we continue to lose our people, our students, our workers and members of our armed services due to HIV/AIDS.

Elections

Honourable Comrade Delegates, As I stated earlier, this is also an Election Congress. It provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen democracy within the Party. It is also an illustration of the mandate given to us, and a reaffirmation of our worthiness as custodians of that mandate. It is imperative that we of the Ruling Party be an example of unquestionable democracy, so that we can continue to be the anchor of good democratic governance in the whole country.

I should like to thank all those who stood for election, and I congratulate those who won. It is my hope that by their conduct, their behaviour, and their integrity in leadership, they will demonstrate that their fellow members were right in electing them. For those who were unsuccessful this time, my hope is that they will continue to cooperate with the elected leaders in strengthening the Party.

I commend all our leaders, at various levels, who organised and supervised elections at those levels. If it were not for their good work, our elections would not have gone as smoothly as they did. I should like them to know that they have made a major contribution towards strengthening democracy within the Party; a contribution we all recognise and are grateful for.

Now the electoral process has reached the very top of the Party echelons. As we come close to the voting day, I am aware of last minute frantic campaigns by the candidates and their aides to ensure victory. But let me remind everyone that we are the Ruling Party, and we have the inescapable responsibility to set for others an example of absolute integrity and firm commitment to democracy.

We have to judge the candidates on the basis of established Party criteria, including education, knowledge, capability, diligence, integrity, experience and Party loyalty, as well as practical allegiance to the Party creed. By virtue of its history and ideals, CCM is a Party that abhors corruption, oppression, discrimination or favouritism on the basis of gender, tribe, religion, race, or area of origin, and any other excuses for discrimination. We should never vote into power people tainted with intrigues, chicanery, lies, or any other such unacceptable traits.

The essence of democracy is leadership that is put into power by the free will of the people, or in this case of members, and hence leadership that is accountable to those who put them into power. But if you vote into power someone who bribed you, you cannot hold him or her to account, because he or she has bought you. On the contrary, you will be the one accountable to him or her by doing his or her bidding. There is a proverb that says: ―Who receives a bribe, sells his liberty‖. Comrade Delegate, do not debase yourself that much; do not agree to sell your liberty. Respect your vote; it is a very valuable vote. Respect the trust reposed in you by your fellow CCM members who dispatched you here to do a good job on their behalf. Likewise, if you vote for someone because of his or her tribe or religion, you still lose your liberty, for you cannot expect accountability from him or her, because you did not vote for capability, you voted for favours. And, lest we forget, leadership in CCM should never be given on the basis of favours.

We have a secret ballot. So I want each delegate to consider the full weight of our responsibility here, knowing that each vote will be counted, so it must be cast with the greatest care, in the interest of the Party. You should also remember that since we are the Ruling Party, each of your votes must also place the highest priority on national interests. The leaders we will elect here will join those elected already in lower level elections in guiding us during the General Elections of 2005. So every delegate must think deeply before voting, and be guided by a conscientious mind, such that each vote must go to those candidates with the greatest value to the Party, and those that are strong defenders of the Party and the national interest.

We have already agreed in our Party that the following should be the qualities of a good leader. I repeated those qualities to the National Executive Committee, and I should like to repeat them to you as well.

 First, a CCM leader should know the Party well, its rules and regulations, which he or she must respect fully. He or she must attend all Party meetings and take part in the implementation of their decisions;

 Second, a leader must have a solid track record of commitment to the Party and its policies. He or she must always be proud of CCM and show by actions a commitment to serve the Party loyally;

 Third, a leader must be of the highest integrity, one who fully observes our leadership code. His or her integrity must be beyond reproach and attested to by the community in which he or she lives.

 Fourth, a leader must be truthful and never a double talker. He or she should be compassionate and one who likes other people, doing justice to all. In addition, he or she should never defend corrupt people.

 Fifth, a leader must be humble and ready to admit errors, and be ready to forgive, and to be reconciled with his or her colleagues.

 Sixth, a leader must be loyal to the Party and abide by the decisions taken by legally constituted sittings of the Party.

 Seventh, a leader must be self-less, and not one who is hungry for power or for the accumulation of wealth. He or she should not discriminate people on the basis of their tribe, gender, religion or any other reason.

 Eighth, a leader should be an example of unity and solidarity in the Party and the society as a whole. He or she should value unity and peace in the country by fighting all forms of divisions on the basis of zones or groups. In addition, he or she must genuinely accept the Union and be prepared to defend it wholeheartedly. He or she should not be an agitator or scandalmonger.

 Ninth, a leader must uncompromisingly hate corruption, and should neither receive nor give bribes. He should be well known for his or her commitment to fighting corruption where he or she lives, or works.

 Tenth, a leader must be committed to development and concern him- or herself with improvement of the lives of the people, especially in taking part in poverty reduction efforts, and in dealing with other problems related to education and health.

 Eleventh, our leader should be one who is principled, who does not waver, especially after an issue has been decided upon by a legally constituted and empowered Party sitting.

 Twelfth, a good leader is expected to be accountable, and should never bring disrepute to the Party or Government by clinging to power by dishonourable means; and

 Thirteenth, our leader must be capable of serving the nation and the people in the relevant position. Our priority is success in implementation, and anyone unable to implement what we agree upon, does not suit us as a leader.

It is these qualities of leadership that can convince an ordinary Tanzanian to continue trusting CCM. None of you should agree to be used as someone’s ladder in pursuit of personal political interests. Our electoral processes do not have, and should never be characterised by, intrigues, divisions, tribalism, corruption, religious discrimination, and all such other vices.

Honourable Comrade Delegates, I should like to conclude by reminding you that the Party leadership that will emerge after this year’s election will represent the face of the Party that the people will see in 2005 when we go to ask for a renewal of our mandate to govern. So we must choose carefully, keeping in mind the words of the Father of the Nation: ―Without a strong CCM, our country will destabilise‖.

Of great importance is the imperative to remain united. Any election has a tendency to divide people. We should not encourage such divisions. Once the election is over, there should not be any lingering hard feelings or any hostility; rather we should continue to be united, and to be seen, by Party members and the people as a whole, as united. We must be seen to implement by actions our policy of unity, brotherhood and cooperation.

This Party belongs to all its members. No one, and no group of people, can own CCM. We can never allow that to happen. Not even I, your Chairman, can claim that CCM is my property. We are guided by our constitution, our regulations and our procedures. We are not beholden to anyone, even if he or she is a leader, or if he or she bribed anyone of you. We should not be afraid. The Party belongs to all of us and its decisions affect even those who are not CCM members. Your vote is a secret vote. Let each one, therefore, decide wisely and thereby ensure that our election should provide an opportunity to strengthen the Party, and never to weaken it or divide CCM members.

Forever forward! We will continue to win!!

A luta continua! A victoria é certa!!

Now I have the pleasure to declare the Sixth Ordinary National Congress of CCM officially opened.

I thank you for your kind attention.