What Chadema must do after national leadership election

Dar es Salaam. Analysts have urged Chadema to focus on reconciling internal divisions, fostering unity among its members, and crafting effective strategies to prepare for the 2025 general elections.

They also stress the importance of involving outgoing leaders as advisors and addressing internal grievances stemming from allegations of mudslinging and character defamation during the campaigns, which have left lingering divisions within the party.

The election, held on January 21 of this year, marked the end of Freeman Mbowe’s 21-year tenure as chairperson. Tundu Lissu, a prominent opposition figure and former presidential candidate, was elected as the new chairperson after defeating Mbowe and other senior members in a highly competitive race.

While praised for its transparency and fairness, analysts say the election process highlighted challenges Chadema must urgently address to maintain its position as Tanzania’s leading opposition party.

The campaigns leading up to the election were intense, with accusations of mudslinging and personal attacks overshadowing policy debates.

The former chairperson, Freeman Mbowe, who also contested the elections, was vocal about the need for reconciliation in the aftermath.

In his appeal to the newly elected chairperson, Tundu Lissu, Mbowe stressed that addressing the divisions created during the campaigns must be a top priority. “That is something that we must do as a part, and that should also be among your priorities as our new chairperson,” he noted.

Speaking to The Citizen, a political analyst from the University of Dar es Salaam, Dr Richard Mbunda, emphasises the importance of fostering dialogue within the party.

“The campaigns were heated, and the rhetoric used has left scars. Chadema must prioritise reconciliation by organising structured dialogues to heal these wounds and build a united front. Without this, the party risks internal sabotage that could undermine its effectiveness,” he said.

For a political analyst and lecturer at the Open University of Tanzania, Dr Revocatus Kabobe, unity is non-negotiable.

“Elections can often divide more than they unite, and this is what Chadema must address. Bringing members back together is crucial, as the competitive nature of this election has left some feeling alienated. A divided opposition cannot challenge the status quo effectively,” he noted.

Holding leadership elections in the same year as the general election was seen by many as ill-timed. The decision has left Chadema with a narrow window to prepare for 2025, forcing the new leadership to work against the clock.

A political scientist from the State University of Zanzibar, Prof Makame Ali Ussi, highlights the implications of this timing.

“Elections are critical for any political party, but the timing must be strategic. Chadema’s decision to hold its elections so close to the general elections places significant pressure on the new leadership. They must now work with a sense of urgency to consolidate support and prepare for what lies ahead,” he said.

On top of that, a political scientist at the University of Dar es Salaam, Dr Paul Loisulie, concurs: “The timing has created a situation where Chadema must hit the ground running. Every moment counts, and the leadership must focus on building an actionable plan that addresses voter concerns, strengthens grassroots mobilisation, and ensures a cohesive campaign strategy.”

Despite the controversies, Chadema’s election showcased an exemplary commitment to democratic principles. The process, marked by transparency and a peaceful transfer of power, drew praise from outgoing leaders, who expressed satisfaction with the results.

“This election has set a new standard for political parties in Tanzania,” said Dr Kabobe.

He continues: “The transparent voting and immediate acceptance of results by all candidates demonstrate that democracy is possible even in competitive environments. However, Chadema must now build on this achievement by ensuring that the spirit of fairness and collaboration permeates its broader activities.”

With similar sentiments, Prof Ussi emphasised the importance of leveraging the experience of outgoing leaders.

“The outgoing leadership, having overseen this milestone, should now serve as advisors. Their experience is invaluable for guiding the new team in navigating political challenges, especially as the party gears up for 2025,” he said.

The contentious campaigns revealed underlying tensions that could jeopardise Chadema’s unity if left unresolved. Mbowe’s call for reconciliation aligns with the views of analysts who believe that open dialogue is the best way forward.

Dr Mbunda advocates for a structured reconciliation process.

“Chadema’s new leadership must create spaces for honest conversations. Members need to feel heard and valued, particularly those who may feel sidelined. This is not just about resolving past grievances but also about laying the foundation for future collaboration,” he said.

Dr Kabobe agrees, adding that unity must go beyond rhetoric.

“The campaigns have exposed cracks that cannot be ignored. Unity requires deliberate effort—whether through retreats, workshops, or other mechanisms that allow members to re-establish trust and a shared vision,” he noted.

He went on to say that as Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema holds a unique position in the political landscape. However, maintaining this status requires more than just unity—it demands a clear, compelling vision that resonates with the electorate.

“Chadema’s strength lies in its ability to challenge the ruling party effectively,” he said.

Also, Dr Loisulie commented, “This requires not only a united front but also a clear policy agenda that addresses the needs of ordinary Tanzanians. The party must be seen as a viable alternative, capable of delivering tangible change.”

Prof Ussi stressed the importance of grassroots engagement.

“Chadema must reconnect with its base. Voters need to feel that the party understands their struggles and has solutions to their problems. This means going beyond campaign promises and demonstrating real commitment to addressing issues like unemployment, education, and healthcare,” he said.

The peaceful transition of leadership within Chadema presents an opportunity for collaboration between outgoing and incoming leaders. Analysts agree that outgoing leaders have a crucial role to play in mentoring their successors and ensuring continuity.

“This is a moment for partnership. Outgoing leaders have the experience and insights that the new team can benefit from. By working together, they can ensure that Chadema remains a strong, united opposition force,” said Dr Kabobe.

Dr Mbunda echoed this sentiment, adding that collaboration must be institutionalised.

“Chadema should establish a formal advisory body comprising former leaders. This would create a platform for knowledge-sharing and ensure that the party benefits from the collective wisdom of its members,” he said.

With the 2025 general elections on the horizon, Chadema must focus on key priorities: rebuilding trust, crafting a strong campaign strategy, and addressing voter concerns.

“Chadema has a lot of work to do, but it also has a lot of potential. The elections have shown that the party is capable of democratic governance. Now, it must translate this capability into electoral success by presenting a compelling vision for Tanzania’s future,” said Prof Ussi.