By Adonis Byemelwa
In a momentous victory that marks a new chapter for the Chadema Women’s Council (Bawacha), Sharifa Suleiman has been elected as the Chairperson for the next five years.
With 222 votes, Sharifa emerged victorious in a fierce race against Celestine Simba, who garnered 139 votes, during the election held at Ubungo Plaza in Dar es Salaam on Saturday, January 18, 2025.
Her win is not just a personal achievement, but a powerful statement of trust and hope, as she takes on the responsibility of leading Bawacha through a time of transformation and renewal.
However, this victory came after a second round of voting, following the initial round where no candidate managed to secure more than 50% of the total votes. In the first round, Sharifa had 167 votes, Celestine 116, and Suzan Kiwanga 100. Since no candidate achieved the majority, the election was re-held.
Before this election, Sharifa had been acting as Chairperson since 2020 after the previous leader, Halima Mdee, and 18 others were expelled from the party for alleged betrayal.
The results were announced later that evening at 8:30 PM by Aida Kenani, the Chairperson of the election committee and Member of Parliament for Nkasi, Rukwa. Kenani confirmed that a total of 363 voters participated, with 361 valid votes and two invalids.
“By the authority vested in me, I hereby declare Sharifa Suleiman as the new Chairperson of Bawacha,” Kenani announced, sparking cheers from Chadema members in attendance.
Other key results included the election of Elizabeth Mwakimomo as Vice Chairperson for Mainland Tanzania, who won with 212 votes (59%) against her opponent, Salma Kasanzu, who received 147 votes. This election, too, had to be repeated after the first round saw no candidate surpass the 50% threshold.
The election results represent more than just a leadership change within Bawacha; they reflect the ongoing internal struggles within Chadema, one of Tanzania’s largest opposition parties. Over the past few years, the party has faced significant challenges, including divisions over leadership and accusations of betrayal.
Sharifa Suleiman’s victory is seen as a symbol of a new direction for the party’s women’s wing, especially after the controversial expulsion of key figures like Halima Mdee. These elections not only reshape Bawacha’s leadership but also signal a broader shift in Chadema’s internal dynamics. The party is striving to rebuild unity and regain momentum as it prepares for future political battles. Sharifa’s leadership will be crucial in navigating these turbulent times and ensuring that Bawacha plays a key role in the party’s long-term success.