Tanzania First Family victories raise eyebrowsBy THE CITIZEN | Wednesday, September 19  2012 at  10:59

Family connections are emerging as a controversial theme in the ongoing Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) polls—and the First Family is right up there on the frontline, with First Lady Salma Kikwete and her son Ridhwan sailing through the party’s NEC polls.

The duo were elected unopposed to represent Lindi Region and Bagamoyo District respectively. 

Would they have clinched the posts had they not been members of the Magogoni-based family?

The rise of Salma and Ridhwan on the political scene comes just as the State House tenure of President Jakaya Kikwete, who doubles as the CCM national chairman, inches towards the mandatory end of his tenure of office.

However, CCM publicity secretary Nape Nnauye said any fears of autocracy creeping into the party ranks through the ballot box were misplaced.

The First Lady and Ridhwan have yet to clinch the posts they have set their sights on.

How far will this dramatic story go?

Only time will tell. There are still decisions to be made at higher party levels, after all.