The new National Executive Committee has begun its tenure talking tough. Its publicity secretary, Nape Nnauye, noted in his first press conference that the reformed NEC was committed to reinvigorating the party by moving on underperforming leaders at both the district and regional levels, arguing that the first challenge is to "cleanse the party" while "dealing with members who are tarnishing the good image of the government". His words broadly echo those of Mr Mukama who, speaking to the local press on his appointment, but without naming names, noted that party members implicated in corruption scandals should either quit the party or be prepared to "face the music".

While such sentiment is encouraging in terms of improving governance standards in Tanzania, if the new leadership of the party does actually match words with action, then the divisions with the CCM are likely to become increasingly bitter in the coming year. They may even be enough to drive some high-profile members from the party to form new ones, which will add a further dimension to Tanzania's developing democracy.