DAR ES SALAAM: Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) National Chairperson, Mr Freeman Mbowe, has announced his intention to contest for the party’s top post.
Addressing journalists in Dar es Salaam on Saturday afternoon, the politician stated that he would collect the nomination form at CHADEMA’s headquarters immediately after concluding his press briefing with editors.
However, he informed the opposition party’s members that this would be his final tenure as CHADEMA chairperson if re-elected.
“I would like to assure Tanzanians that the party is completely safe. On several occasions, I have contemplated resigning from the position, but I cannot abandon the party during its struggles. Therefore, I am with CHADEMA, I will remain, and I will contest,” Mbowe said.
He added: “For those who support me and those who do not, I believe we will meet and discuss. Everyone should have the right to contest. If you want to run for the position, let us meet at the ballot box.”
Emphasizing his decision, Mr. Mbowe noted that he remains fit and energetic to continue handling the responsibilities associated with the chairmanship.
“Those who say that I am tired, I don’t know what criteria they are using to claim that. I am very energetic and can hold eight rallies in one day without eating,” he stated.
According to Mbowe, term limits within CHADEMA are not determined arbitrarily but through the ballot box. He expressed confidence in contesting for the position again, emphasizing that only the people’s vote can decide his future.
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“In our institution, there are elections. The real term limit in democracy is whether the people want you or reject you. Some leaders are rejected and leave after five years—we hold elections, and they don’t return. Others are re-elected for a second, third, or even fourth term in various regions, and no one questions their term limits because the people want them,” he elaborated.
He added: “If members say they want a certain leader and others argue they have been in office for too long, that is an irrelevant argument. The party has been built on the sacrifices of its people. Even if term limits are necessary, there are party procedures.
“Since the party was founded, the constitution has been amended six times. Any leader within the party can propose reforms if they have a valid case.”
However, he clarified that if the party members decide otherwise, he will not leave the party but will instead remain as an advisor, as stipulated in the constitution.
