Chadema bigwigs line up for party elections

Dar es Salaam. As the month of May approaches, the political landscape within Chadema, one of Tanzania’s leading political parties, is abuzz with anticipation.

The upcoming election of zonal chairpersons is poised to be fiercely contested among the party’s top brass, many of whom boast extensive records of leadership within its ranks, including stints as Members of Parliament.

Chadema comprises a total of 10 zones, with particular attention drawn to seven of them, where intense competition is expected to unfold. These pivotal zones encompass regions such as Mbeya, Njombe, Arusha, Manyara, Kilimanjaro, Tanga, Dar es Salaam, Pwani, Songwe, Rukwa, Katavi, Tabora, Kigoma, Mwanza, and Kagera.

Of paramount interest are the regions of Nyasa, Victoria, Serengeti, Central, Western, and Northern, where significant battles for leadership positions are anticipated. In these regions, both incumbent leaders and newcomers to the electoral fray are vying for dominance within the party’s hierarchy.

In the lead-up to the zonal elections, some regions have already concluded the selection of Chadema’s top leaders at the regional level, while others are still in the throes of the selection process. This divergence in progress underscores the varied timelines and dynamics at play across different regions.

Chadema director of ideology, communication and foreign affairs John Mrema has signalled that the party’s central committee will soon convene to formalize and announce the election schedule. This move aims to provide clarity and transparency in the electoral process, underscoring the party’s commitment to democratic principles.

The competition unfolding at the regional level represents a continuation of the power struggles witnessed at the district and regional tiers, as aspirants vie for coveted leadership positions within Chadema. This internal electoral fervour sets the stage for the imminent national elections expected to transpire in June or July of this year.

Msigwa vs Sugu

One of the zones expected to have a fierce competition is the Nyasa Zone, where former MPs Pastor Peter Msigwa of Iringa Urban and Mr Joseph Mbilinyi, popularly known as Sugu, of Mbeya Urban are vying for the chairmanship.

Pastor Msigwa is defending his position while Mr Mbilinyi is contesting for the leadership of the zone for the first time. Both of them are members of the party’s central committee.

Reached for comment, Mr Mbilinyi responded, “It is true that I intend to vie for the chairmanship of the Nyasa Zone, but for now, I cannot speak much until the party’s process begins; I will explain all my goals then.”

Similarly, when Pastor Msigwa was approached about his decision to defend his position, he simply answered, “Yes.”

John Pambalu vs Ezekiah Wenje

Another intense contest is expected in the Victoria Zone, where the incumbent chairman, Mr Ezekiah Wenje, is seeking re-election. He is expected to face off against Mr John Pambalu, who is the chairman of the Chadema Youth Council (Bavicha).

When asked about the matter, Mr Pambalu said, “I will speak when the time comes.” When asked when that would be, he said, “Anytime from now”.

On the other hand, Mr Wenje has openly declared his intention to run again, claiming that his goal and aim of removing CCM from power have not been accomplished yet.

He emphasized that the Victoria Zone comprises 25 constituencies, and in order to effect change in the country by leading the central government or having a significant number of MPs, his goal as the chairman of the zone in the upcoming election is to secure 14 MPs to ensure they have more representatives in parliament.

“If I can get more representatives and other zones do the same, we will have the ability to change the country’s laws and policies to ones that will benefit the nation. The journey is still long, but my heart’s desire is to remove CCM from power.”

Tough contest in Serengeti

In the Serengeti Zone, there will also be a tough contest as the names of John Heche, a former Member of Parliament for Tarime Rural, Emmanuel Ntobi, Gimbi Masaba, and Lucas Ngoto have been mentioned as contenders for the chairmanship of the zone.

However, Mr Ntobi told The Citizen’s stablemate Mwananchi that he intends to vie for the position to bring about changes within the zone, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance in its management rather than relying on headquarters for funds.

Meanwhile, asked if he will contest, Mr Heche said, “It is a significant position within the party because you become the leader of three regions, with your secretariat. So, if I decide to run, I will make it public, but for now, I haven’t thought about it.”

Since 2020, the Serengeti Zone has been led by vice-chairman Masaba after Mr Esther Matiko, was expelled from the party due to her decision to be sworn in as a special seats Member of Parliament with 18 others without the party’s endorsement.

Central Zone

In the Central Zone, there is also expected to be intense competition, with prominent figures such as Mr David Jumbe, Ms Aisha Luja, Ms Devotha Minja, Ms Celestina Simba, and Mr Ezekiel Chisijala being mentioned as contenders for the chairmanship.