The opposition party Chadema is set to launch its "No Reforms No Election" campaign on March 23 in Mbeya. However, on the same day, the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) has announced a power cut for the entire Mbeya region.
Chadema’s campaign will be led by party chairman Tundu Lissu and deputy chairman John Heche. The party decided on this campaign in December 2024, and its general assembly confirmed it on January 21, 2025.
The goal is to educate people and push the government to change the election system. Chadema insists that elections should not take place without these changes.
According to Nyasa Zone chairman Joseph Mbilinyi (Sugu), after the launch at Ruanda Nzovwe Grounds in Mbeya, Lissu will travel to Rukwa for public and private meetings until March 27, then move to Songwe for two days.
Meanwhile, Heche will start his tour in Mbeya, visiting Kyela, Busokelo, and Rungwe districts before heading to Mbarali.
From there, he will travel to Njombe on March 26 and then to Iringa for two days. The tour will end with a big rally in Iringa town on March 29.
While Chadema supporters are looking forward to the campaign launch, Tanesco has announced that there will be no electricity in Mbeya on March 23, 2025.
A statement from Tanesco’s Mbeya office says the power will be off from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM due to urgent maintenance at the Mwakibete power station.
The statement warns customers to be careful, as power lines may still be active during this time.