Most defectors come from the leading opposition party, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo, or CHADEMA, the Democracy and Development party. Four CHADEMA members of parliament, 75 councilors and several village chairmen have joined CCM in the last few years.
Wanachama wengi ni wale waliokuwa katika chama kikuu cha upinzani, chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo au CHADEMA, ambapo miaka michache iliyopita wabunge wake wanne, madiwani 75 na baadhi ya wenyeviti wa vijiji wamehamia CCM.