Warioba discloses talks with Chadema, CCM to avert electoral crisis
Retired Prime Minister and former High Court Judge Joseph Warioba with Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) President Boniface Mwabukusi during a national forum on Tanzania’s 2025 General Election, organised by TLS on May 3, 2025. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- According to him, Chadema chairman Tundu Lissu visited him in February and clearly outlined the party’s position: that without meaningful electoral reforms, they would not take part in the polls.
Dar es Salaam. Retired Prime Minister and High Court Judge Joseph Warioba has revealed how he and Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation Chairman Joseph Butiku made several efforts to persuade Chadema to participate in the October 2025 General Election, despite its firm “No Reforms, No Election” stance.
Retired Judge Warioba shared the details during a national forum organised by the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) on the 2025 General Election held in Dar es Salaam on May 3, 2025.
“We saw the urgency and seriousness of the electoral issues raised by Chadema. But we believed there were other ways to address those problems without boycotting the election entirely,” said Judge Warioba.
According to him, Chadema chairman Tundu Lissu visited him in February and clearly outlined the party’s position: that without meaningful electoral reforms, they would not take part in the polls.
Mr Lissu proposed a postponement of the election for up to three years to allow for reforms to be implemented.
“I told Lissu I understand the concerns—those are real. But I didn’t see the practicality of the demand,” said Judge Warioba.
“I advised him that while some of the reforms may take longer, other issues—such as procedural irregularities seen in 2019, 2020, and 2024—could be addressed immediately by reviewing the electoral regulations,” he added.
Furthermore, Judge Warioba said he and Mr Butiku then agreed to approach Chadema formally and tried to convince them to consider joining the election while continuing to push for reforms.
“We met with a large Chadema delegation. We told them, 'Not everything you’re asking for is immediately possible, but some issues can be resolved before the elections. Go back and reflect so we can find a way forward,” he recalled.
One of the contentious issues was Chadema’s refusal to sign the election code of ethics, which resulted in their disqualification from participating in the elections.
According to Judge Warioba, they met with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to plead for a review of the decision.
“We explained to the INEC chair that this decision would deny many citizens their right to be represented. We told them that Chadema is open to reconsidering its stance. So, don’t lock the doors just yet,” he said.
However, the INEC chair maintained that their position was final and advised anyone aggrieved to go to court.
“We told them that these are just regulations, not laws that require parliamentary approval. If there’s political will, they can be amended quickly. But despite our advice, the regulations were gazetted,” Warioba revealed.
Still determined, Judge Warioba and Mr Butiku reached out to the ruling CCM’s Secretary General and asked for a willingness to reach a consensus.
“There were some demands from Chadema that were impossible to implement immediately. But others, especially those related to fixing irregularities, were within reach. We hoped CCM would help find a middle ground,” he said.
A second meeting with Chadema was later held, but Warioba admitted that by then, the atmosphere had changed, and tensions were rising.
“We believed that this was a time for wisdom. The country is facing serious challenges. Leaders must recognise the weight of the situation and act accordingly,” he warned. “There is still time before Parliament is dissolved. This window should be used to fix the critical issues.”
Warioba emphasised that resolving electoral disputes through dialogue was still possible and urged President Samia Suluhu Hassan to meet with political party leaders to seek a compromise.
“When President Samia came into office, she restored hope in political reconciliation. She still has time and goodwill to bring everyone to the table. Everyone must be ready to let go of extreme positions,” he said.
He also called upon religious leaders to play a mediating role.
“We still believe that the solution is on the table—through dialogue, not confrontation. If we go to the elections with conflict, the consequences will fall on the people,” he cautioned.
These revelations come at a time when Chadema chairman Tundu Lissu is being held at Ukonga Prison on treason charges.
He was arrested following remarks he made on April 4, in which he warned against participating in an election he described as fundamentally flawed.
“The elections in Tanzania today are a slaughterhouse. To participate in them as they are is to march into a massacre,” Lissu said during a rally. “If you tell us to proceed regardless, then you are not serious.”
Lissu defended Chadema’s decision to boycott the election, insisting it was a principled stance, not a negotiation tactic.
“This is not a strategy to seek political favours. It is a firm commitment to systemic change,” he declared, noting the position had been approved by the party’s top decision-making bodies.
“In liberation politics, being arrested and tried is a badge of honour,” he added. “We will disrupt this election. If that leads to rebellion, so be it.”
Despite the mounting political tension, elder statesmen like Warioba and Butiku continue to advocate for national dialogue as the only path to free, fair, and peaceful elections.
