Tanzania opposition leader and Chadema Chairperson Tundu Lissu has made a bold declaration to party aspirants seeking elective positions in the upcoming General Election, asserting that political change in Tanzania may require radical measures, including civil disobedience
While addressing contestants for various elective seats in the upcoming General Election, Mr Lissu said the political process in Tanzania is a predetermined exercise by the state. He urged the aspirants to approach the election with utmost caution since a free and fair election is not guaranteed.
“The elections in Tanzania today are a slaughterhouse. To participate in them as they are is to walk into a massacre. If you tell us to proceed regardless, then you are not serious. In liberation politics, being arrested and tried is a badge of honour. We will disrupt this election. If that leads to rebellion, so be it,” Lissu declared, suggesting that the party’s resistance could escalate into open defiance’’
Reaffirming the party’s stance of ‘No Reform, No Election,’ Lissu dismissed claims that boycotting the polls would weaken Chadema. Instead, he insisted that taking a firm stand against the system was the only way to bring about meaningful change
‘’If people think we were joking when we declared ‘No Reform, No Election’ on December 3, 2024, they are mistaken. This is not a strategy to negotiate for political favours – it is a commitment to systemic change,” he said
Mr Lissu said the decision for No reform! No election! was not a personal declaration but a collective party agreement which was endorsed by the Central Committee, the National Executive Council and finally by the General Congress.
‘’ These decisions were taken before I assumed the party’s chairmanship, which means it was an institutional rather than personal. said Lissu
He dismissed claims that the party’s stance would lead to the loss of parliamentary representation.
“We are told we will have no Constituency MPs, no Special Seats MPs, no councillors, no president. But do we have them now? We have not died. Why should we fear?” he questioned
Lissu called on Chadema aspirants to embrace the struggle for reforms rather than focusing solely on personal political ambitions. He has also urged them to stay committed to the movement despite the risks. “This is a tough path. No party has ever taken this stand before in Tanzania. But we must be ready. We will win. Do not be afraid,” he affirmed
