DAR ES SALAAM: THE National Coordinator of the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC), Advocate Onesmo Olengurumwa, has stated that the No Reform, No Election agenda was not initiated by the Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema) as it existed before the opposition party.
According to him, the agenda originated within the ruling party, Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM), before the introduction of a multiparty system.
Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam, Advocate Olengurumwa explained that the agenda was first introduced in 1992 to bring political reforms and advocate for a new constitution.
“The Nyalali Commission was tasked with assessing the most suitable multiparty system for Tanzania. One of the commission’s recommendations was that the 1995 general elections should not take place before constitutional reforms were made. Therefore, the No Reform, No Election agenda started in 1992, at a time when Chadema did not exist, and there was no official opposition in Tanzania. This means that the agenda does not belong to Chadema; it is for all Tanzanians, regardless of political affiliation,” said Olengurumwa.
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He further clarified that the No Reform, No Election agenda does not mean elections should not take place, but rather emphasizes the need for strong systems that ensure fair and competitive elections in a multiparty democracy. “This agenda has resurfaced in every election cycle, including in 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and even 2020. Even President Samia Suluhu Hassan has formed various committees to implement electoral reforms, acknowledging the importance of making changes before elections are held,” he explained.
Advocate Olengurumwa pointed out that the ongoing reforms are not solely for the benefit of Chadema but for the entire nation. He cited examples of past reforms, including the removal of candidates from elections last year and issues related to the voter register, such as transparency and the process of verifying voter eligibility.
Additionally, he called on all political parties, the National Electoral Commission, and government leaders to come together and identify the necessary reforms to ensure free and fair elections.
