It’s official: Lissu wins Chadema chairmanship

DAR ES SALAAM: Former Vice Chairman of the Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo, Tundu Lissu has been declared the new party’s National Chairman for Mainland, winning 51.5 per cent of the votes in a closely contested election during the party’s General Assembly.

Announcing the results, a representative of the Council of Elders, who oversaw the election, disclosed that out of 999 votes cast, 996 were valid while three were spoiled.

Lissu won 513 votes, narrowly defeating outgoing chairman Freeman Mbowe, who garnered 482 votes (48.03percent).

The third candidate, Odero Charles Odero, received just one vote (0.1percent).

“On behalf of the Council of Elders and the Chair of this session, I officially declare Tundu Antiphas Lissu as the new National Chairman of CHADEMA,” announced the representative.

In other key results, John Heche was elected as Vice Chairman for Mainland Tanzania with 577 votes (57percent), outpacing Ezekiel Wenje, who obtained 372 votes (37percent), and Mathayo Gekulu, who received 49 votes (5percent).

For the Zanzibar, Vice Chairmanship, Said Mzee Said emerged victorious with 625 votes (89 percent) in a second round of voting.

Initially, none of the candidates, including Suleiman Makame Issa, Hafidh Ally Salehe, Said Issa Mohamed, and Said Mzee Said, achieved the required 50 percent.

Ahead of the runoff, Said Issa Mohamed withdrew, leaving Said Mzee Said as the favorite. Out of 706 votes cast in the runoff, 700 were valid, securing 625 and 75 voting against him.

ALSO READ: Chadema’s Mbowe concede defeat in intra-party elections

In his acceptance speech, Tundu Lissu hailed the election as free, transparent, and democratic, emphasizing that every vote was counted and respected.

This was a free and fair election. Every eligible member had the opportunity to vote, and their voices were counted. The results reflect the true will of the people,” Lissu stated.

He also praised Freeman Mbowe for graciously accepting the results before the official announcement.

“You have shown great respect by accepting the outcome even before it was officially declared. Your public congratulations demonstrate your commitment to the party,” Lissu noted.

Outgoing Chairman Freeman Mbowe called on the new leadership to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to heal divisions caused by the election process.

“This election has left wounds among our members. I urge the new leadership to form a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address grievances, foster forgiveness, and strengthen the unity of CHADEMA,” Mbowe said.

He further encouraged the leadership to prioritize the constitution and institutional growth, urging them to follow proper procedures for any amendments.

“Respect the constitution and avoid personal interests. If amendments are needed, engage others and follow democratic procedures to build a stronger party,” he concluded.