DAR ES SALAAM, April 6 -- AFTER leading the Tanganyika African National Union to a decisive victory in the August 30, 1960 General Elections, securing 70 out of 71 seats in the Tanganyika Legislative Council (LEGCO), its president and chief strategist, Julius Kambarage Nyerere, guided Tanganyika into internal self-government on May 1, 1960.

Backed by strong grassroots support built during the two-phase tripartite elections of September 1958 and February 1959, TANU continued its political momentum.

The party ultimately led the nation to full independence on December 9, 1961, following its overwhelming electoral success in 1960. Despite the repressive machinery of the British colonial administration, TANUs nationwide support grew steadily...