Lissu vows reforms, Mbowe urges healing

DAR ES SALAAM: THE newly elected national chairman of the Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), Mr Tundu Lissu, yesterday pledged to reform and strengthen the party, including introducing term limits for leadership.

Meanwhile, the outgoing chairman, Freeman Mbowe, conceded defeat and urged the new leadership to begin healing the divisions caused during the election.

He also encouraged the leaders to adhere to the party’s constitution as a guiding document to strengthen the organisation.

In the election, which began on Tuesday and concluded in the early hours of yesterday in Dar es Salaam, Mr Lissu secured 513 votes, representing 51.5 per cent of the 996 valid votes. A total of 999 votes were cast, with three deemed spoiled.

The outgoing chairman, Mr Mbowe, received 482 votes (48.3 per cent), while Charles Odero garnered just one vote.

Mr John Heche was announced as Vice-Chairman (Mainland), while Mr Said Mzee Said, who succeeded Mr Said Issa Mohammed after his withdrawal from the race, was declared ViceChairman for Zanzibar.

The exercise marked a significant milestone for the party as the country prepares for the General Election later this year.

In his acceptance speech, the new chairman described the election as historic for the party, setting new standards.

He emphasised fairness, equality and unity within the party and called for reforms, including leadership term limits.

“I will establish term limits for leadership, starting with myself. This will be done carefully, not arbitrarily, ensuring continuity while allowing for change. We will create better procedures for our elections.

I want to assure you that I am not a person of vengeance; I am a person of justice. For that reason, I will not seek revenge,” said Mr Lissu.

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He commended the free and fair election process and acknowledged the long-serving contributions of the outgoing chairman, Mr Mbowe, not only to the party but also for conceding the results—a testament to political maturity and democracy.

Mr Mbowe, who has led the party for two decades, stressed the need to dissolve the divisions formed during the campaign.

He highlighted the importance of rebuilding the party and urged the new leadership to heal the wounds caused by the election to strengthen the organisation.

“My advice to the incoming leaders is to heal our party.  I promised that if I won, I would create a truth and reconciliation commission to address what transpired during this election, especially concerning those who broke discipline and ethics or ridiculed our party. They should forgive one another and shake hands so that our party can grow stronger,” said Mr Mbowe.

He further recommended forming a reconciliation and mediation team to foster unity.

Additionally, Mr Mbowe urged the new leadership to adhere to the party’s constitution rather than individual preferences, emphasising that any shortcomings should be addressed collaboratively, respectfully and democratically.

New Vice-Chairman (mainland), Mr Heche, noted the significant responsibility entrusted to the new leaders, calling for support from all members to rebuild and strengthen the party to hold the government accountable.

“You have entrusted us with a huge responsibility, and I ask for your support. I especially want to thank Freeman Mbowe, who has chaired this party for 21 years and has been involved in reforms for 30 years,” said Mr Heche.

He added, “It is remarkable that the chairman has peacefully and democratically relinquished power something unprecedented even in countries like the United States, where elections are globally televised.”

Moreover, Mr Said, ViceChairman (Zanzibar), called for unity among all members following the election.

He praised Mr Mbowe for his resilience and contributions to building the party and pledged to bring meaningful changes to Zanzibar.