Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, has now urged its supporters to exercise restraint and patience ahead of the upcoming general election.

Speaking during the ‘’Wake Up Call Show‘’ at Upendo TV, Chadema Vice Chairperson John Heche revealed that the party will soon make a big announcement ahead of the October general election. Heche said the declaration will serve as the direction Chadema supporters should follow during the election.

‘’Not that we will not fully participate in the elections, but we have a declaration. We shall give direction to our members and supporters on what to do. It’s not over yet. Wait for our declaration,” said Heche

Heche also revealed that they will only field candidates in the upcoming general election if their demands for a free, fair, credible, and verifiable election are met.

‘If our demands in our push for ‘’No reforms no elections’’ are met, then we will participate in the election’’ said Heche.

Some of Chadema’s demands under its No Reforms! No Elections campaign includes an independent electoral commission, revival of the stalled constitution writing process abandoned in 2013, legal changes to allow independent presidential candidates, judicial review of presidential election results, and a requirement that presidential winners secure at least 51% of the vote.

Chadema also wants the commission to do away with the petty requirements before a candidate is registered. Chadema has lamented in many forums that their candidates have been expunged from the voter registration book, due to unreasonable requirements or out of malice.

When asked how they will participate in the election, and yet Chadema is disqualified from the election for refusing to sign the election code of conduct, Heche said, ”the election code of conduct principles will be in operational during nominations, if we want to sign it (election code of conduct), we can do that any time’’,

In the wake of Chadema’s political persecutions and uncertainties, Heche has assured supporters that all is well, urged them to stay put, and remain resilient.