Tundu Lissu Elected Chairman of Tanzania’s Main Opposition Party, Chadema.

Tundu Lissu speaking to his party members. Courtesy image.

Prominent Tanzanian politician Tundu Lissu has been elected as the new chairman of Chadema, the country’s main opposition party. In a tightly contested election, Lissu ousted Freeman Mbowe, the party’s long-serving leader, who had held the position for over two decades. The election highlighted significant internal divisions within Chadema, with Lissu campaigning for changes in the party’s leadership structure and criticizing its current management.

Lissu’s campaign centered on the need for a fresh direction in Chadema. He accused Mbowe of becoming too reconciliatory towards the ruling CCM party, which has maintained power in Tanzania since the country’s independence. Lissu argued that this approach had led to a loss of trust in Chadema, as the opposition was seen as becoming increasingly aligned with the government rather than challenging it. His calls for change resonated with many party members, culminating in his successful bid for the leadership.

On the other hand, Freeman Mbowe, who had served as the party’s chairman for more than 20 years, campaigned on the premise that he still had significant work to do in strengthening the party. Despite the loss, Mbowe accepted the decision made by the party assembly. In a post on his X account, he congratulated Lissu and his team, expressing his full acceptance of the election result. He wished Lissu and the new leadership success in advancing the party’s agenda.

The election of Tundu Lissu marks a significant shift in the leadership of Chadema, which could have broader implications for the party’s future direction and its role in Tanzania’s political landscape.

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