Chadema’s Mbowe concede defeat in intra-party elections
DAR ES SALAAM: Former Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA)’s Chairman Freeman Mbowe has congratulated the party’s Vice Chairman, Tundu Lissu, for securing the position of National Chairman in the ongoing party elections.
Mbowe shared his message via his official Twitter account, expressing his acceptance of the General Assembly’s decision before the official announcement of the election results.
“I wholeheartedly accept the decisions of the elections conducted by our party’s General Assembly, which concluded this morning, January 22, 2025. I congratulate Hon. Tundu Lissu and his colleagues for being entrusted with the leadership of our party. I wish them all the best,” Mbowe wrote.
The position of National Chairman for Mainland was contested by three candidates: Freeman Mbowe, the outgoing chairman, Tundu Lissu his former deputy and Odero Charles.
CHADEMA Secretary General John Mnyika confirmed that the vote-counting process for all leadership positions has been completed, with results forms signed by candidates’ agents and election supervisors.
However, Mnyika disclosed that one of the three key leadership positions remains undecided, as no candidate secured the required majority of more than 50 per cent of votes, as stipulated in the party’s constitution.
He said once the runoff is completed, the final results for all positions will be announced, starting from the lowest-ranking positions to the top leadership roles.
“According to our constitution, rule 7.37 states that results will only be announced after all elections are completed. Supervisors will start with the positions receiving fewer votes and conclude with the announcement of the chairman’s results,” Mnyika stated.
He revealed that a runoff election will be held for the position of Zanzibar Vice Chairman, as no candidate achieved the majority threshold.
“This process ensures the winner secures over 50 per cent, as required by the constitution”, he noted.
He announced the two leading candidates, Said Mzee Said and Said Mussa Mohamed.
Mnyika called for patience among assembly members as the runoff election is conducted, emphasizing the importance of following constitutional procedures.
