Tanzania's opposition leaders Mbowe and Lissu vow to strengthen Chadema regardless of election outcome

Dar es Salaam. Key contenders in the Chadema chairmanship position have vowed to unite and strengthen their party, regardless of the outcome of its leadership election.

Mr Freeman Mbowe and Mr Tundu Lissu said on Tuesday that it was important for them to remain united and build Chadema irrespective of who between them is elected the party’s new chairman.

Speaking to the delegates to the party’s congress on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, Mr Mbowe stressed the need for unity and discipline within Chadema, urging members to refrain from insults and internal conflicts.

“The conflicts we have witnessed are not something to be proud of. Insults have no place in Chadema’s culture. We must restore discipline, and those who engage in misconduct should be identified and corrected,” Mbowe said.

In his remarks, Mr Lissu reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the party, regardless of the outcome of its leadership election.

Lissu’s declaration comes amid speculation that his chances of remaining within Chadema may be slim should he lose the election. These rumors have been fueled by statements he made criticizing party Chairman Freeman Mbowe for engaging in reconciliatory discussions with the government without consulting other party leaders.

Lissu, Mbowe, and Charles Odero are contesting for Chadema’s top leadership position for the next five years.

Speaking at the party’s general meeting held at Mlimani City Hall in Dar es Salaam, Lissu dismissed concerns of internal division and pledged to work with party members to advance Chadema’s agenda.

“Whatever the outcome today, we will continue to build our party together,” Lissu affirmed, drawing cheers from delegates.

He also emphasized his longstanding camaraderie with Mbowe, stating that despite differing opinions over the years, they have never had personal conflicts.

“We have been close for over 20 years, and we have never fought. We may have had differences in opinion, but we have always remained colleagues,” he said.

Lissu, who is stepping down from his position as Vice Chairman after five years, used the platform to bid farewell to party members, reflecting on his absence due to medical treatment in Belgium following an assassination attempt in 2017. He recalled his landslide victory in the 2019 election, where he secured 98.8 percent of the votes to become vice chairman, and expressed gratitude for the unwavering support he has received.

Mbowe calls for party discipline

Mr Mbowe said Chadema was an institution built on principles, calling on party members to focus on strengthening democracy in Tanzania.

“We should not allow Chadema to be defined by a culture of insults and discord. This must be rectified, and today’s leaders must take responsibility for ensuring this,” he added.

Mbowe underscored the party’s role as a viable alternative to the ruling government, stating that Chadema must offer policies that restore hope to Tanzanians.

“We are in Chadema to bring about meaningful change, not merely to exchange power. Our goal is to present new strategies that will uplift those who have lost hope,” he said.

As Chadema marks 32 years since its permanent registration on January 21, 1993, Mbowe stressed that the party’s election should be viewed as a celebration of democracy rather than a divisive battle.

“This election should not divide us but rather reinforce our unity. Many have speculated about party divisions, but today, we bury those differences,” he declared.

Uphold Chadema’s reputation

Meanwhile, Chadema Zanzibar Vice Chairman Said Issa Mohamed reminded party members that the reputation of Chadema is built by its members and leaders must respect the party’s values.

“A leader who fails to respect the party that gave them recognition will ultimately lose credibility in society,” Mohamed said.

He explained that his silence in party matters has been a deliberate effort to protect Chadema’s dignity and honor the sacrifices made by members who lost their lives fighting for democracy.

“I have remained silent to safeguard the party’s reputation and the efforts of those who sacrificed for it. Regardless of my role in leadership, I will always be committed to Chadema,” he affirmed.

As Chadema prepares to elect its new leadership, both Lissu and Mbowe have reiterated their dedication to unity and the party’s long-term vision, aiming to strengthen opposition politics in Tanzania.