Chadema warns against violation of internal election codes of conduct

Dar es Salaam.  Opposition party Chadema’s Secretary General John Mnyika has issued a stern warning to party members, candidates, and their agents, reminding them to strictly adhere to the party’s guidelines during the ongoing internal elections.

Speaking at a press conference he said, the guidelines, which have been in effect since 2012, focus on ensuring fair campaign procedures and preventing corruption.

Mnyika emphasised that anyone witnessing a violation of these rules should report the matter to the Secretary General or the relevant authorities, so disciplinary actions can be swiftly taken.

In a recent update on the progress of the internal election process, Mnyika addressed allegations that some leaders had violated the party’s guidelines during the form submission period.

Although he had previously issued a warning at the opening of the form submission window, these violations continue to be a concern.

“I would like to reiterate that if any leader, member, or candidate witnesses a violation of these guidelines, they should report it immediately to the Secretary General or the relevant authorities to ensure that the situation is promptly addressed,” Mnyika urged.

He added that, while campaigning will ramp up after the return of nomination forms, no candidate or their agents will be allowed to campaign before the official campaign period begins.

He further stressed that no candidate or campaign manager should engage in defamatory actions against their opponents, such as distributing misleading documents, pamphlets, or inappropriate social media posts.

Mnyika also highlighted that it is forbidden to use divisive tactics such as regionalism, religion, or ethnicity in campaigns, and candidates must adhere to the party’s anti-corruption guidelines.

Mnyika clarified that any party member found guilty of breaching the guidelines will first receive two warnings.

If the violations persist, the individual will be removed from the election process and banned from contesting any position within the party for a period not exceeding five years.

He also made it clear that candidates must not offer gifts, food, or beverages to delegates or voters to influence their votes.

Additionally, transporting delegates to election meetings in exchange for votes or making promises to voters is strictly prohibited.

As the election process unfolds, Mnyika, who also serves as the Director of Elections for Chadema, revealed that 300 candidates have applied for various positions. Among them, 56 are vying for national-level roles.

The breakdown includes 85 candidates for the Elder's Council (Bazecha), 93 for the Women’s Wing (Bawacha), and 66 for the Youth Wing (Bavicha).

With a record number of candidates, Mnyika noted that the vetting and nomination process will involve meetings of the central committee.

These sessions will begin on January 10 for Bavicha and Bazecha candidates, with the Bawacha sessions set for January 11.

The vetting process will continue on January 19, and the central committee will begin preparing for the party’s general meeting starting January 18.

As Chadema moves forward with this crucial internal election, the emphasis on fair play and adherence to party guidelines remains central to the process.