MP Criticises "No Reforms, No Election," Judge Mutungi...

Dodoma. The Registrar of Political Parties (RPPs), Judge Francis Mutungi, has criticised the "No Reforms, No Election" campaign spearheaded by the opposition party Chadema, however, stating that it has not violated the Political Parties Act.

He emphasised that the 2025 General Election will proceed as planned.

Judge Mutungi made these remarks on Thursday, April 10, 2025, while speaking to journalists in Dodoma after attending a workshop on preventing and combating corruption in the 2025 General Election.

Organised by the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB), the workshop was attended by Director General Crispin Chalamila.

During the workshop, Mr Chalamila highlighted the challenges, including corruption, which may arise during the election, urging accountability to ensure that Tanzanians elect qualified leaders.

After the workshop, Judge Mutungi said no one can stop the upcoming election through statements at political rallies, which he noted are often interpreted differently by political parties.

"No one can stop the election just by speaking at rallies. Chadema has not broken the law, and when I met with them recently, they assured me they would not break the electoral laws," said Judge Mutungi.

He added that only the courts can prevent an election, but no one has gone to court on this matter.

He clarified that what is currently happening are political speeches, which are common in rallies and not illegal unless they contain unlawful content.

According to Judge Mutungi, he has not heard of Chadema going to court to challenge the election, despite having lawyers familiar with the correct procedures.

He suggested that Chadema is likely engaged in political propaganda, which does not constitute a criminal act unless it involves illegal statements.

"I will find time to invite them for a more detailed discussion on this matter. Every party has the right to be heard, but not to break the law. We do not expect them to break the law," insisted Judge Mutungi.

Ball in their court

On Thursday, April 10, 2025, Special Seats MP Salome Makamba criticised Chadema leaders for their statements about barring the election, labelling them signs of failure akin to those who have given up.

Ms Makamba was debating the Prime Minister’s Budget speech for the 2025/26 financial year.

The Prime Minister’s speech, presented by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, will be debated by Parliament until April 15, 2025, when MPs will vote to approve or reject the tabled revenue collections and expenditure estimates.

Ms Makamba is one of the 19 Chadema MPs embroiled in a crisis within their party after being accused of taking an oath without the party’s permission.

Chadema expelled these MPs, including Halima Mdee, who have since filed a lawsuit to challenge their expulsion, with the opposition party claiming they were no longer recognised as party lawmakers.

Chadema is implementing a resolution passed by its General Assembly on January 21, 2025, under the "No Reforms, No Election" slogan, with national leaders, including Tundu Lissu, holding meetings in the Nyasa and Southern regions, including Lindi, Mtwara, and Ruvuma.

However, a group dubbed G55, composed of candidates from the 2020 elections and leadership aspirants for the forthcoming elections, has emerged.

Some members agree with "No Reforms" but oppose preventing the election, arguing that under current circumstances, it is not feasible.

While Chadema maintains the "No Reforms, No Election" stance, G55 has opposed this, which Chadema leaders have interpreted as betrayal.

As a result, some regional chairpersons have started requesting explanations from those who signed the G55 petition.

G55 argues that having alternative views should not be seen as disloyalty, but rather a healthy debate within the party.

Ms Makamba, supported by MPs from the ruling CCM party, stated that no one could stop the election.

She aligned herself with the 55 Chadema members who said the election must proceed.

Being a lawyer by profession, Ms Makamba stated that attempting to prevent the election is treason and such actions are unacceptable.

She called on the Minister of Home Affairs, Innocent Bashungwa, and his forces to stand firm and perform their duties.

"They have realised they cannot win, which is why they are trying to stop the election. We cannot encourage rebellion over election matters,” said the MP, pledging participation and returning to the August House after winning the election.

However, Ms Makamba did not provide more details about the party she would contest or the constituency.

She added that the goal of any opposition party worldwide is to ascend to power, noting that if people want to avoid the election, it shows they do not want power, and that is not the aim of their political party.

Furthermore, Ms Makamba, who ran for parliament in Shinyanga Urban in 2020 under Chadema, stated that she had nowhere to run and obtained her passport while in parliament.

She emphasised that she would not want to see her family and relatives facing difficulties because of political decisions.

On the topic of elections, she stated that since the introduction of multi-party politics, the ruling CCM has consistently held power, but opposition parties have also won elections and been declared victorious, hence their presence in parliament.

According to Ms Makamba, 2024 saw significant changes, including the establishment of an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which she believes will ensure fairness in the elections, and she insisted they must proceed.

"We have seen your budget, Prime Minister, and you have increased funds for the election. I am waiting for the ballot boxes, for the election to happen and votes to be counted, not to boycott," assured Ms Makamba.

In another development, the MP praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan, stating that she deserves another term for the good work she has done in bringing development to Tanzanians.

After her contribution, some of her fellow MPs, including the 19 from Chadema, stood up to congratulate her, with some even giving her money as a gift.