The Chairman of the National Reconciliation Process Steering Committee and political analyst, Charles Odero, has called for calm, dialogue, and mutual understanding between CHADEMA and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, amid growing political tensions following a recent compliance notice issued to the opposition party.
Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, May 14, 2026, Odero urged CHADEMA to engage constructively with the Registrar’s Office and seek an official meeting with Registrar Judge (Rtd) Francis Mutungi to address concerns raised in a recent letter and resolve the matter through dialogue rather than confrontation.
He said the Office of the Registrar should remain a key institution for strengthening democracy by guiding political parties and resolving disputes in a fair and consultative manner.
“The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties is often referred to as the House of Democracy. This means it is not meant to be a place of punishment or confrontation, but a space where democratic values are nurtured and protected,” Odero said.
He emphasized that when disagreements arise between political actors and regulatory institutions, dialogue and reconciliation should always be the first option in order to safeguard national unity and political stability.
“In any democratic system, when differences emerge, the priority should be engagement and understanding rather than confrontation. This helps build trust between institutions and political actors,” he added.
His remarks come a day after the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties issued a notice to CHADEMA, giving the party 13 days to respond to concerns that could lead to disciplinary action, including possible suspension of its registration.
According to the letter referenced HA.322/362/16A/22 dated May 7, 2026, the Registrar stated that it has been closely monitoring CHADEMA’s conduct through public statements, party communications, media briefings, and content shared on social media platforms.
The Registrar raised concern over remarks allegedly made by CHADEMA Deputy Chairperson (Mainland), John Heche, regarding plans for nationwide demonstrations calling for the release of opposition politician Tundu Lissu.
The Office noted that such statements could risk being interpreted as incitement to unrest and could affect ongoing judicial processes.
The letter also cited CHADEMA Korogwe District Chairperson Oliver Kisaka over remarks linked to political reforms and references to events of October 29, 2025, warning that such statements may be interpreted as encouraging unrest or political tension.
The Registrar’s Office reminded all political parties to operate strictly within the law and uphold peace, unity, and democratic principles for the stability of the nation.
