As Tanzania heads toward the October 29 General Election, the Party for People’s Redemption (Chaumma) is presenting itself as a reformist alternative with pledges to ease the cost of living, revive collapsed industries, and overhaul the tax system.
During a campaign rally in Morogoro Municipality, vice-presidential candidate Devotha Minja said Chaumma’s priority would be removing all taxes on medicines, arguing that healthcare has become too expensive for ordinary citizens.
She outlined plans to establish subsidized drug stores that would allow patients without immediate cash to access treatment and repay later.
Beyond healthcare, Minja said the party intends to revive defunct factories, particularly in Morogoro Region, which was once among Tanzania’s leading industrial hubs.
“Industries that collapsed have denied thousands of people jobs. Reviving them is key to reducing poverty and creating opportunities for youth and women,” she told supporters.
The party is also tapping into frustrations among farmers and small traders. Minja promised free fertilizers, affordable tractors, and the removal of multiple agricultural levies, insisting that the current tax regime favors big business while penalizing small entrepreneurs.
“Our government will not allow farmers to struggle through production only to be taxed heavily after harvests,” she said.
Political observers note that Chaumma, though smaller compared to dominant parties, is building its platform around economic grievances high taxes, unemployment, and the collapse of industries as a way to connect with disillusioned voters.
At the same rally, parliamentary candidate for Morogoro Urban, Rwegasira Elizeus, unveiled a ten-point agenda, including training and licensing for motorcycle taxi riders to reduce accidents and improving neighborhood roads.
With its promises of tax relief and social equity, Chaumma is seeking to stand out in an election expected to be defined by economic issues.
Whether these pledges will translate into votes remains to be seen, but the party’s message is resonating with citizens weary of high living costs.