DAR ES SALAAM: A total of 300 candidates have collected and returned nomination forms to contest various leadership positions in Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA)’s upcoming national elections, set to take place on January 21, 2025.
Addressing journalists in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, the party’s Permanent Secretary, John Mnyika, announced that 56 candidates are vying for top leadership roles within the party, underscoring the competitive nature of the elections.
According to Mr. Mnyika, three candidates who have collected and returned forms for the chairmanship position are the incumbent national chairperson, Mr. Freeman Mbowe, Odelo Ochas Odelo, and Tundu Antipas Lissu.
In the race for Vice Chairperson (Mainland), three candidates—Ezekiel Wenje, John Heche, and Mathayo Geku—have entered the contest.
For the Vice Chairperson (Zanzibar) position, four candidates, namely Said Mzee Said, Said Issa Mohamed, Suleiman Makame Issa, and Hafidh Aly Saleh, are in contention.
Regarding Chadema’s national councils, Mr. Mnyika revealed the following:
• Elders’ Council (BAZECHA): Five candidates are vying for the National Chairperson position, one for Mainland Vice Chairperson, two for Zanzibar Vice Chairperson, and three for Secretary General.
• Youth Wing (BAVICHA): Three candidates are competing for the Chairperson position, six for Mainland Vice Chairperson, and two for Zanzibar Vice Chairperson. Additionally, five candidates are eyeing the Secretary General position.
• Women’s Council (BAWACHA): Three candidates are running for Chairperson, seven for Mainland Vice Chairperson, and two for Zanzibar Vice Chairperson.
Mr Mnyika explained that the nomination process, which began on December 17, 2024, and concluded on January 5, 2025, will now proceed to the screening and selection phase.
“The Central Committee is expected to conduct the screening between January 10 and 16, 2025, for council positions, with January 19 set aside for other candidates. Those who pass the screening will move on to the elections,” he noted.
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He urged candidates, their agents, and party members to abide by CHADEMA’s constitution, rules, and ethical standards throughout the process.
“I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate, with greater emphasis, that candidates, their agents, and party members must adhere to the party’s constitution, regulations, ethics, and protocols throughout the entire election process. Specifically, they must observe two key guidelines: the Party Campaign Procedures Guideline (2012) and the Party Anti-Corruption Guideline (2012),” he stressed.
