Reports of betrayal and backroom dealings have only fueled the flames, creating an atmosphere of mistrust within the party. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
The Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) has stepped into the fray, issuing a powerful rebuke against what it calls an alarming rise in bribery and corruption within Chadema, Tanzania’s leading opposition party.
As Chadema prepares for its internal leadership elections, TLS warned that the party’s integrity and democratic foundations are under siege, urging swift and decisive action to restore public trust.
“Corruption is a betrayal of progress and democracy itself,” TLS declared in a hard-hitting statement, describing the internal electoral misconduct as a dangerous affront to accountability and transparency.
The association called on Chadema’s leadership to act boldly to root out unethical practices, ensuring the election process remains a reflection of the values the party claims to uphold.
This warning comes as Chadema finds itself mired in a storm of infighting, allegations of vote-buying, and deepening factionalism.
With the stakes higher than ever, the party’s ability to maintain cohesion and credibility is being tested, threatening its reputation as the torchbearer of reform in Tanzanian politics.
Party insiders allege that senior figures have been using financial clout to influence internal votes, fostering division and resentment among members.
What should have been a democratic contest has spiraled into a bitter struggle for power, with rival factions scrambling for dominance ahead of the 2025 general elections.
This chaos, many argue, jeopardizes Chadema’s ability to present itself as a viable alternative to the ruling party, CCM.
The wrangling has left the party’s supporters disillusioned. Many are frustrated by what they see as a betrayal of Chadema’s founding principles, while others fear that the leadership battles are distracting from the party’s broader mission of advocating for change and addressing the pressing issues facing the nation.
Reports of betrayal and backroom dealings have only fueled the flames, creating an atmosphere of mistrust within the party.
Analysts point to long-standing grievances over leadership styles and competing visions for Chadema’s future as the root cause of the turmoil. The current crisis, they argue, is the culmination of unresolved tensions that have been simmering for years.
TLS, in its statement, urged Chadema to lead by example, reminding the party of its responsibility to uphold democratic principles.
“This is not just about Chadema’s credibility,” TLS said, “but about the future of democracy in Tanzania. Political parties must inspire trust, not erode it.”
To prevent further damage, TLS recommended that Chadema establish independent ethics committees to oversee internal elections, ensuring they are conducted with transparency and fairness.
The association also called on the party to prioritize unity over personal ambition, warning that failure to do so could have far-reaching consequences for both Chadema and Tanzania’s political landscape.
The crisis within Chadema reflects a broader challenge facing opposition politics in Tanzania: how to balance internal democracy with the need for cohesion and strategic focus. As Chadema’s internal battles rage on, its ability to emerge stronger and more united remains uncertain.
With less than three weeks until Tanzania’s leading opposition party, Chadema, holds its high-stakes internal elections, tensions are reaching a boiling point. One of the party's top contenders for chairmanship, Tundu Lissu, has called for transparency and integrity in the election process, voicing concerns over potential malpractice.
Lissu, the current vice-chairperson for mainland Tanzania, used his New Year address to urge that the January 21 election be monitored by both domestic and international observers.
“We must ensure this process reflects the democratic principles we stand for. Transparency and accountability must guide us,” he said.
His remarks come in the wake of Freeman Mbowe, Chadema’s long-standing chairperson, announcing his intention to defend his position despite earlier hints that he might step down. Mbowe cited internal divisions within the party as the reason for his decision, stating, “The struggles within Chadema demand continuity in leadership. Stepping aside now would only deepen the cracks.”
The upcoming election is shaping up to be one of Chadema's most contentious yet. Factions supporting Lissu and Mbowe have already formed, engaging in an escalating war of words and trading serious allegations.
Analysts warn that this power struggle could fracture the party, threatening its unity and its credibility as a political force.
Adding to the tension are allegations of corruption within Chadema’s women’s wing, Bawacha. Reports from Shinyanga suggest that some candidates, who declined to be named, have condemned bribery and unethical practices as an affront to the party’s values. This controversy has further fueled fears of malpractice in the broader electoral process.
For Lissu, the stakes are clear. His call for independent oversight aims to reassure party members and the public that Chadema can still uphold its democratic ideals. However, Mbowe’s camp sees his leadership as a stabilizing force in a period of heightened internal discord, portraying his continued tenure as essential to holding the party together.
Observers argue that Chadema’s internal election could either solidify the party’s position as Tanzania’s leading opposition or expose divisions that may weaken it ahead of the 2025 general elections. The rhetoric on both sides has already exposed fault lines, with some party loyalists growing weary of the infighting.
This leadership battle also sheds light on broader issues within Tanzania’s political landscape, where opposition parties often face challenges of cohesion and accountability.
For Chadema, a party that prides itself on advocating for reform and transparency, these allegations of corruption and division present a significant test of its identity.
As January 21 approaches, all eyes will be on Chadema’s ability to navigate this turbulent period. The stakes are not just about who leads the party but also about whether Chadema can emerge from this process stronger and more united—or risk losing its standing as a credible alternative to Tanzania’s ruling party, CCM.
For now, supporters and critics alike are left wondering: can the party rise above its internal struggles to prove it is the democratic beacon it claims to be? The answer may very well determine its future—and that of Tanzania’s opposition politics.
For Chadema, the path forward is both urgent and clear. The party must take bold steps to address corruption, rebuild trust among its members, and reaffirm its commitment to democratic ideals. Only then can it hope to regain the confidence of its supporters and present a united front in the 2025 elections.
The stakes could not be higher. Chadema’s struggle is not just about the future of one party—it’s about preserving the integrity of opposition politics in Tanzania and ensuring that the country’s democratic aspirations remain alive.
Whether Chadema rises to the challenge will determine not only its fate but also the trajectory of Tanzanian democracy for years to come.