Chadema vice chair to challenge Mwinyi, urges electoral reforms

Zanzibar. The vice chairman of the opposition Chadema party in Zanzibar, Mr Said Mzee Said, has reiterated that the party's stance on electoral reforms remains unchanged, warning that without amendments to electoral laws and systems, Tanzania will not hold credible elections.

Speaking on Monday, during a meeting with the party’s members, Mr Said stressed that Chadema is committed to pushing for democratic reforms before any elections can take place.

He was addressing supporters after being welcomed into his new role following his election at the party’s congress on 21 January in Dar es Salaam.

“If there is a genuine commitment to reform electoral systems, the election can be postponed for up to six months to allow for proper legal and structural adjustments,” he suggested.

He criticised the appointment of district executive directors as returning officers, arguing that such appointments compromise the credibility of elections and that such officials were directly appointed by the President.

“We demand a free and fair election where every winner is declared based on the law, not through manipulation,” he added.

Responding to recent remarks made by CCM’s Secretary for Ideology, Publicity, and Training, Mr Amos Makalla, that Chadema lacks funds and is using electoral reforms as an excuse, Mr Said dismissed the claims, asserting that the party has sufficient resources but remains focused on ensuring democracy is upheld.

Mr Said, who also announced his intention of contesting the Zanzibar presidency, affirmed that Chadema is prepared to win and take over the government. However, he noted that the party is keen on ensuring the electoral process is free and fair.

To support this effort, he said the party has devised a strategy to deploy agents in voter registration exercises in both Unguja and Pemba.

He extended an invitation to other opposition parties in Zanzibar to collaborate and, if possible, form alliances for the greater good of the country. However, he emphasised that any coalition must be founded on mutual respect.

“We are open to working with any party, but there must be discipline and respect for the interests of the people and the nation,” he said.

He also called for unity among Chadema members, stating that internal party elections had concluded, and the focus should now shift to consolidating party support.

“We are determined to conduct civilised campaigns that uphold the party’s credibility and integrity,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Chadema’s Deputy Secretary-General for Zanzibar, Ali Ibrahim Juma, reiterated that the party's objective is to strengthen its presence in the Isles and secure victory in the upcoming elections.

“Our goals will not be realised if members are not united in building the party. A strong political party is built on committed and steadfast supporters,” he stated.

He urged members to put aside any divisions that emerged during the party’s internal elections and work together towards a common goal.

“The time has come for us to stand as one and focus on winning the election,” he said.

The 2025 elections are expected to be a crucial test for Chadema as it seeks to challenge CCM’s long-standing dominance in Zanzibar.