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Reimagining the opposition: The significance of Lissu’s leadership
What you need to know:
- Mr Tundu Lissu’s political career is as remarkable as it is tumultuous. A lawyer by profession, he has been a staunch defender of human rights and democracy throughout his life.
Dar es Salaam. The election of Tundu Lissu as the new chairman of Chadema, Tanzania’s main opposition party, signals a potential turning point for the party and the nation’s political landscape.
With his reputation as a firebrand politician and staunch advocate for human rights, governance reforms, and democracy, Mr Lissu’s leadership brings fresh expectations for revitalised opposition politics ahead of this year’s general election and beyond.
Mr Lissu’s ascension comes at a time when Tanzania’s political space remains dominated by the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), which has held power since independence.
However, Chadema’s historic election process, described yesterday by outgoing chairman Freeman Mbowe as transparent and free, marks a significant step in the party’s efforts to strengthen internal democracy.
Political analysts argue that Lissu’s leadership brings renewed energy and direction to Chadema.
A political analyst, Dr Revocatus Kabobe, says Lissu’s strong national and international profile positions Chadema as a formidable opposition force.
“Lissu has consistently been a vocal critic of government policies and human rights abuses. His leadership could unify the party and rally supporters around a clear vision, particularly on issues like governance, rule of law, and constitutional reforms,” Dr Kabobe noted.
Under Mr Mbowe’s leadership, Chadema became Tanzania’s largest opposition party, is often at the forefront of advocating for democratic reforms.
Mr Lissu, analyst note, is now expected to build on this foundation, bringing his confrontational yet strategic approach to opposition politics.
Mr Lissu’s election could significantly alter the dynamics of Tanzania’s political landscape, particularly in the run-up to the October general elections.
According to a political scientist from the University of Dar es Salaam, Dr Richard Mbunda, Lissu’s leadership represents a shift towards more activist-driven politics.
“We are likely to see Chadema adopting a more assertive stance on issues such as electoral reforms and governance,” Dr Mbunda explained. “This approach could energise disillusioned voters, especially the youth, and heighten political engagement across the country.”
Dr Mbunda also highlighted Lissu’s focus on financial accountability within Chadema, noting that he has promised systemic governance changes, particularly in the collection and utilisation of party funds.
“This year’s election period will undoubtedly see heightened political enthusiasm, with Lissu leveraging his global recognition and a compelling personal story to strengthen Chadema’s position,” he added.
Chadema members cast their ballots to elect leaders in Dar es Salaam yesterday. PHOTO | SUNDAY GEORGE
Lissu’s compelling story
Mr Tundu Lissu’s political career is as remarkable as it is tumultuous. A lawyer by profession, he has been a staunch defender of human rights and democracy throughout his life.
Mr Lissu first entered politics as a member of parliament representing Singida East under Chadema, where he gained a reputation as a fearless opposition figure.
In 2017, Mr Lissu survived an assassination attempt that left him with multiple gunshot wounds. He spent years in exile undergoing medical treatment and campaigning for democratic reforms abroad.
His return to Tanzania in 2020 marked a significant moment for the opposition, with Mr Lissu contesting the presidential election later that year against President John Magufuli.
“Lissu’s survival and return to active politics symbolise resilience and determination, qualities that resonate with many Tanzanians seeking change,” said an expert from the Open University of Tanzania, Dr Victoria Lihiru.
Despite the optimism surrounding Lissu’s leadership, analysts caution that he faces significant challenges. Managing internal party dynamics will be crucial, particularly in healing divisions that emerged during Chadema’s bruising election campaigns.
“The way some members conducted themselves during the campaigns left scars on the party,” outgoing chairman Freeman Mbowe said in his farewell speech. “The new leadership must prioritise healing and unity to strengthen the party’s image and cohesion.”
Dr Lihiru echoed this sentiment, emphasising the need for Chadema to rebuild trust among its members.
“Mr Lissu must work to unite the party’s factions and create a cohesive strategy moving forward. This will be critical. in positioning Chadema as a credible alternative to CCM,” she said.
Additionally, pundits noted, Mr Lissu’s confrontational style may heighten political polarisation in a country where opposition parties often face significant challenges, including limited media coverage and restrictive laws.
The road to October
As Tanzania approaches the general elections In October, all eyes will be on Chadema and its new leadership. Analysts believe that Lissu’s focus on constitutional and electoral reforms could galvanise support among voters seeking change. “Lissu’s leadership offers a chance for Tanzanians to reimagine their political system. His emphasis on reforms could inspire greater political engagement, particularly among the youth,” Dr Kabobe said.
However, the path forward will not be easy. Chadema must navigate a complex political environment dominated by CCM while addressing its internal challenges.
Mr Lissu’s ability to balance these demands will determine his success as a leader and the party’s prospects in the upcoming elections. His election as chairman marks the end of an era for Chadema, which has been under Mbowe’s leadership for 21 years.
Mr Mbowe, who played a pivotal role in building Chadema into a respected political force, urged the new leadership to uphold the party’s principles and focus on unity.
“Lead with humility and prioritise peace and collaboration. Let’s ensure Chadema’s image remains exemplary not only to our members but to the nation,” Mr Mbowe advised.
Lissu’s remarks
Having officially assumed his new role as the national chairman of Tanzania’s opposition party Chadema, Mr Lissu began his remarks with a pledge to rebuild and strengthen the party while ensuring justice and fairness in its internal processes.
Delivering his inaugural speech, Mr Lissu said he would address the challenges that have emerged from the party’s internal elections.
Acknowledging the wounds left by previous electoral processes, he stressed the need for healing and reconciliation among party members.
“There may be surprises or not, but we have hit the ground running. We will be submitting the name of the party’s Secretary-General. today (yesterday) at 3pm,” Mr Lissu stated. “From tomorrow (today) and in the days ahead, we will focus on rebuilding our party.”
Mr Lissu admitted that past elections had left deep scars, from recent events and years of internal political struggles, within the party.
“Our people have suffered a lot in these elections from the very beginning. We need to heal them and give them new hope. That their pain was not in vain,” he said.
He pledged to reach out to those who had been sidelined or wronged during the electoral processes, including those who faced injustices within Chadema.
“We need to tell them that mistakes were made and ask for their forgiveness. More importantly, we must ensure that the irregularities that caused so much pain in our internal elections never happen again,” he said.
Mr Lissu said the party would address the grievances of those who were unfairly removed from the election process.
“Some have filed appeals, and we will review them. If they have merit, we will reinstate them and redo the elections. Everyone who has the right to contest in Chadema must be given a fair chance,” he stated.
He also hinted at possible postponements in ongoing internal elections to ensure fairness.
“We cannot demand justice from CCM if we do not practice justice within Chadema itself. We must first remove the log from our eye before pointing out the speck in another’s,” he remarked.
Beyond internal party reforms, Mr Lissu reaffirmed Chadema’s commitment to advocating for a new constitution and an independent electoral system. He declared that the party would not participate in any future elections unless meaningful reforms were achieved. “We will not engage in elections unless they are conducted in a free and fair manner. No reform, no election,” he emphasised.
He ruled out participating in further negotiations with the government, expressing scepticism over their effectiveness. “We are not going for those talks. We will only engage in elections if we are convinced that they are credible,” he declared.
For Mr Lissu and Chadema, the coming months will be critical in shaping the party’s future and its role in Tanzania’s democracy.
