Sanjay Tanna Bows Out of CEC Race Hours Before Polls

Hon. Sanjay Tanna, a prominent NRM cadre and candidate for Chairperson of the NRM Entrepreneurs League in the Central Executive Committee (CEC), has formally withdrawn from the race, citing widespread irregularities that, he says, have undermined the credibility of the election.

In a letter addressed to the NRM Secretary General and copied to the Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission, Tanna described the process as “fatally compromised” due to malpractice and limited access to the voter base.

“Together with fellow candidates, I first submitted a joint petition on 17th August, raised the same concerns during CEC vetting on 21st August, and again through my formal letter on 23rd August. In all submissions, I highlighted grave irregularities, including bribery, ferrying of voters abroad, and deliberate inaccessibility of the majority of the voter base, who were scattered in hotels and denied lawful engagement,” Tanna wrote.

Despite repeated petitions, he said no corrective action was taken. “Regrettably, the violations have persisted. The credibility of the election has therefore been fatally compromised,” he added.

The businessman-turned-politician emphasized that his withdrawal was made “with regret, but with firm conviction,” and stressed his ongoing loyalty to the party. “I remain a loyal cadre of the NRM, committed to the Party’s vision and values. It is my hope that the leadership will reflect on these concerns to strengthen the integrity of our internal democratic processes,” he stated.

Tanna’s decision comes just two days before the scheduled elections for the NRM Entrepreneurs League leadership. Sources close to him indicate that the move followed advice from senior members within the top party leadership.

Observers say his withdrawal raises serious questions about the credibility and fairness of the electoral process and may reignite debates about transparency and internal democracy within the ruling party.

Political analysts also note that the development recalls the long-standing Tanga Odi feud dating back to 2015, when the current NRM EC boss reportedly declared that Sanjay Tanna would not secure elective positions in the party while he remained EC chairperson.

Tanna’s exit underscores ongoing tensions in the NRM and shines a spotlight on the challenges of maintaining internal party democracy.