The largest opposition party in Tanzania with a strong base in Tanganyika is today electing new leaders.

On the ballot for the top positions include Tundu Lissu who is challenging the incumbent Freeman Mbowe for chairmanship. In contrast, the deputy position will see  John Heche facing off with Ezekiel Wenje.

The Lissu-Heche ticket is pivotal in seeking to bring about real and fundamental change and a shake-up to the political scene as they are both considered reformists and politicians who do not shy away from being political activists.

This is key at a time when Chadema members and leaders have been targeted more and more by President Samia Suluhu’s regime through enforced disappearances and illegal detention.  Take the example of the five disappeared young men in the poster below, out of the five, three of them are stalwart Chadema members and leaders including Deusdedith Soka, Jacob Mlay, and Dioniz Kipanya.

Enforced disappearances need to be countered forcefully and unequivocally in the political arena! Lissu and Heche have repeatedly addressed this matter and called for a coalition to counter the lack of the rule of law, bring about a New Constitution, and to ensure free and fair elections so we can truly elect leaders who are accountable to us.