Chadema Vice Chairperson John Heche says talks with the ruling party, CCM, stalled after the other side failed to submit their proposals in writing as agreed.
Speaking in an interview with a local media station, Heche said he was among four members appointed by Chadema to take part in the dialogue, and stressed that the party was ready to continue with discussions through formal channels.
“I was part of the team of four people appointed by our party for the talks. When we reached the stage of asking CCM to bring us their agenda in writing, that’s when the talks stalled,” he said.
He explained that Chadema’s position is not to oppose dialogue, but wants proper and structured talks, which are conducted in transparency and a legitimate manner, stressing that the party has no fear of sitting at the table with any side.
“We are not afraid of dialogue; there is no one we are afraid to talk to,” he added.
However, Heche made it clear that the elephant in the room right now is the presence of the party’s legitimate leadership in such decisions, citing the party’s chairman, Tundu Lissu, who is in prison.
“We have said clearly, the person who can lead this party to make any decisions is in jail. Release Lissu, unfreeze the party,” said Heche.
He added that after the party was allowed to resume its activities, the next step is to ensure that its leader is free so he can guide the direction of the party’s decisions, including any political talks.
“Once he is out, he is the one elected by the general assembly; he is the one who will lead us on any matter”.
Heche also criticized what he called acts of “deceit and lies” in the negotiation process, saying his party is not ready to take part in non-transparent agreements.
“What we reject is deceit and lies, treating us like children — we do not agree with that,” he said.
He emphasized that Chadema is ready for any kind of talks, but under legitimate leadership and in an environment of fairness and transparency, noting that Lissu could be a key part of the country’s political solution.
“He is a good man, he will help us a lot, and he will help the country,” he concluded.
The remarks come at a time when Chadema has begun returning to political activities following the lifting of a court ban that had blocked the party from operating for several months.
