CONFIRMED: Lissu eyes CHADEMA top post

DAR ES SALAAM: Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) Vice Chairman (Mainland), Tundu Lissu has officially declared his intention to run for the party’s national chairmanship.

Freeman Mbowe is currently holding the opposition party’s top post.

Briefing journalists at a press conference held in Dar es Salaam, Thursday, Lissu announced his decision to step down from seeking re-election as CHADEMA Vice Chairman, a position he has held since 2019.

He said that his decision to contest the chairmanship was made after careful consideration of the party’s current needs and the political environment in the country.

“I have formally submitted a notice to the party’s secretary to withdraw my intention to contest for the Vice Chairman position. Instead, I have officially declared my intention to vie for the position of national chairman,” he stated.

Lissu stressed that opposing his candidacy for the chairmanship would go against the party’s constitution and the legacy of its founders, Edwin Mtei and Bob Makani.

“Any CHADEMA member or anyone else who finds my decision surprising or objectionable must either have forgotten, be unaware of, or unwilling to honour the leadership transition principles left by our founding fathers, which emphasize free and fair elections within the party,” he said.

He also added that the party must safeguard its traditions against attempts to introduce practices contrary to these values.

Explaining his decision to seek the chairmanship, Lissu highlighted the current political climate in Tanzania, which he said calls for a leader with a proven track record of integrity and public trust.

“We are in a new phase of politics in our country, and this moment requires a leader with a history of integrity and societal acceptance. I believe my record of public trust and commitment to the party is widely recognized,” he said.

Furthermore, Lissu highlighted his nearly 20 years of service to the party and the nation, describing his experience as evidence of his capability to lead CHADEMA in its democratic struggle.

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He also cited his previous roles, including President of the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS), lawyer, activist, and advocate for citizens’ rights, as a testament to his leadership skills.

“With over 20 years of service in the party and significant leadership roles in our country, I believe I have the qualities outlined in our constitution to lead CHADEMA in the ongoing fight for democracy. I trust that party members and the public will give me the opportunity to serve as National Chairman,” he said.

Lissu outlined his key priorities, including revitalizing the party’s grassroots enthusiasm and implementing the resolutions of the National Executive Committee.

“To effectively implement the committee’s resolutions, we must inspire our members, leaders, and supporters, as well as the broader public. This will be the primary task of the new leadership,” he said.

He also advocated for reinstating leadership term limits within the party, describing it as a necessary step to ensure the development of future leaders and the introduction of fresh ideas.

“Our party has grown significantly. We no longer fear a lack of capable leaders at various levels. The fierce competition witnessed in recent internal elections is evidence of this. In light of this growth, we must reinstate the practice of leadership term limits,” Lissu remarked.

Lissu concluded by expressing confidence in his qualifications and readiness to lead CHADEMA as National Chairman, urging party members and the public to entrust him with the position.