Tanzania opposition party’s ‘No Reforms No Election’ faces resistance as government insists polls will proceed

“The General Election of October 2025 will proceed regardless of the obstacles being set by some politicians,” he declared during a meeting with members of NCCR-Mageuzi.

His remarks follow a meeting held on March 18, 2025, between Chadema and the Registrar’s office, led by Judge Francis Mutungi, to discuss the implications of the campaign under the Political Parties Act. Despite nearly four hours of discussions, no consensus was reached and further engagements were promised.

Chadema remains adamant

Despite the Registrar’s stance, Chadema remains steadfast, insisting that elections cannot proceed without significant electoral reforms. The party's Director of Communications and Publicity, Brenda Rupia, said that the government’s position would not derail their agenda.

“Our position remains unchanged. We presented our concerns to the Registrar and whether they agree with us or not, the election will not take place without reforms,” she said.

Rupia said that the campaign does not aim to boycott the election but rather prevent it from happening through continued engagement with various stakeholders. When asked how they plan to achieve this, she said the strategy would be disclosed at the right time.

Addressing a rally in Sumbawanga, Rukwa Region, Chadema Chairman Tundu Lissu said that one of their tactics would be rejecting government initiatives.

“We will oppose everything proposed by the government. I have reviewed the country’s laws, and there is nothing that criminalises refusal to vote. The truth is, even under the current Constitution, an election can be postponed,” Lissu argued.

Government stands firm

Nyahoza’s remarks align with previous statements from government officials, including Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Eliakim Maswi, who asserted that major reforms have already been enacted. Maswi stressed that Chadema alone cannot halt the election, as the process involves multiple political parties and the electorate.

Senior Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) officials, including the party’s Secretary of Ideology and Publicity, Amos Makalla, and the Vice Chairman for Tanzania Mainland, Stephen Wasira, have also dismissed Chadema’s campaign.

Makalla suggested that the campaign indicates Chadema’s unwillingness to participate in the election, which could weaken its status as the main opposition party. Meanwhile, Wasira questioned how Chadema planned to halt an electoral process that has already begun.

Speaking at a public rally in Kahama on March 27, Wasira declared that elections could not be stopped unless there was war—the only condition under which the Constitution allows postponement.

“I hear they are travelling across the country. When they arrive in Kahama, listen to them and ask them how exactly they intend to stop an election. The Constitution does not allow it,” he remarked.

NCCR-Mageuzi’s position

Meanwhile, NCCR-Mageuzi Vice Chairman (Mainland) Joseph Selasini has distanced his party from Chadema’s campaign, asserting they will not be misled into political alliances this time around.

He cited past experiences where his party was allegedly betrayed by coalition partners, particularly during the UKAWA alliance, which saw some parties seizing parliamentary seats that had been pre-allocated to others.

“We have been deceived before, and we will not fall for the ‘No Reforms No Election’ narrative again,” Selasini declared.

NCCR-Mageuzi, he added, is determined to revive its former political strength and will enter the elections with renewed vigour.

Additional reporting by Noor Shija and Juma Issihaka