Tanzania’s main opposition party, CHADEMA, held a large public rally yesterday in Mbeya, the southern highlands city, to launch an operation based on its slogan ‘No Reforms, No Election,’ which calls for major changes in the electoral system.
The rally was attended by top national leaders of the party, including CHADEMA Chairman Tundu Lissu, Vice Chairman John Heche, and members of the central committee, such as Nyasa Zone Chairman Joseph Mbilinyi and CHADEMA Youth Wing (BAVICHA) Chairman, Lawyer Deogratius Mahinyila.
Speaking about past local government elections in 2014, 2019, and 2024, CHADEMA Chairman Tundu Lissu told supporters at the rally that there was no longer a possibility for elections to be free and fair.
“My fellow citizens, let’s be honest with ourselves. With this system, we will not get anywhere. We must change the electoral process,” Lissu said. “The issues that need to be changed are well known. Judge Nyalali pointed them out as far back as 1991.”
Lissu stated that the Electoral Commission must be reformed, and public servants appointed by the President should not be part of the commission. He also emphasized the need for a fair campaign system, a proper candidate registration process to prevent arbitrary disqualifications, and clear procedures to ensure that party agents and candidates can be sworn in and perform their duties freely. Additionally, security forces should not interfere in the electoral process.
These CHADEMA campaigns follow a resolution passed by the party’s central committee at the end of November 2024, after the local government elections. The opposition parties, CHADEMA and ACT Wazalendo, complained about widespread violations of free and fair election principles, as thousands of their candidates were disqualified during the local government election.
CHADEMA and ACT Wazalendo believe that recent amendments to election laws have not addressed the fundamental flaws in the electoral system, which have been highlighted by various commissions since the reintroduction of multiparty democracy.
The laws passed last year include the 2023 Presidential, Members of Parliaments, and Councillors’ Election Act, the 2023 National Electoral Commission Act, the 2023 Political Parties Amendment Act, and the 2023 Miscellaneous Amendments Act.
CHADEMA, through its Deputy Secretary-General for Mainland Tanzania, Amani Golugwa, stated that they will continue holding these public meetings to mobilize citizens in support of their stance. All these are happening while the next election is set to be in October this year.
