Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE ongoing “No Reform, No Election” campaign run by the opposition-Chadema has sparked major internal opposition, with some party members publicly criticizing the initiative aimed at postponing the 2025 general election until reforms to the electoral system are made.
John Mrema, the party’s former communications director, aired the criticisms over the weekend, a disagreement threatening to undermine the party’s unity as it prepares for the upcoming election season.
Observers say that the campaign has generated heated debate within Chadema, with a faction of party members, led by former director, expressing concerns over the practical implications of wishing to block the election.
The campaign, which demands that the government makes changes to the electoral system before holding elections, is being increasingly questioned by some members who believe it could alienate voters and harm the party’s future prospects.
At a weekend press conference in Dar es Salaam, the Chadema secretariat veteran said that the party should focus on participating in the election rather than obstructing it.
“The purpose of any political party is to attain power. A party is not a pressure group, we cannot deny the rights of party members who want to run for office,” he said.
He further criticized the leadership for failure to unite the party’s efforts, warning that the consequences of not participating in the election would outweigh the potential benefits.
He contended that the leadership’s refusal to engage in the election process risks pushing the party into political irrelevance.
“The leadership has failed to unite the party, and the situation is getting worse. Other political parties are moving forward while Chadema remains stuck,” he said.
He highlighted the financial implications of boycotting the election, warning that Chadema risks losing government funding if it chooses not to participate.
“Without the election, the party will lose its funding. We are already struggling to maintain operations,” he explained, emphasizing that internal disputes were hampering the party’s ability to move forward effectively.
Special Seats MP Jesca Kishoa opposed the campaign to prevent the 2025 general election until electoral reforms are made, where she expressed confidence in the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Backed by a strong security presence, she said that the president’s leadership has the support of the people of Singida and they will support her. While Chadema calls for reforms before the election, the ruling party counters that reforms have been made, and the election will proceed as planned.
Tundu Lissu, the national chairman, has maintained the push for reforms, stressing the need for overhauling the electoral system before elections can take place.
However, many within the leading opposition party now fear that insistence on reforms might alienate voters who see the call for a boycott as unnecessary obstruction.
Recently, CCM leaders robustly responded to the campaign, asserting that the country has made substantial reforms and that the election will take place as scheduled.
Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, the secretary general, reaffirmed the position on Friday when opening the Tanzania Editors’ Forum (TEF) special general meeting in Songea.
Political parties have the legal right to participate or abstain from elections as they see fit, he had declared.
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