Chadema’s Meeting: Fiery Debates, Corruption Allegations Shape Party’s Future Direction

By Adonis Byemelwa

Dar es Salaam. The first day of the Central Committee meeting of the opposition party, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema), was nothing short of fiery, characterized by candid discussions, frank exchanges, and truth-telling sessions.

Despite having several agenda items, the meeting, which commenced at five in the morning three days ago, witnessed the Vice Chairman for Mainland Tanzania, Tundu Lissu, presenting evidence regarding his allegations of corruption in the party's internal elections.

Initially, the Director of Protocol, Communication, and Foreign Affairs of the party, John Mrema, outlined, among other things, that the meeting would receive reports on elections at various levels, assess the first phase of protests in different regions during the 'protest week,' and set the direction for the second phase of demonstrations.

 As well, the meeting was slated to conduct interviews and appoint candidates for leadership positions in the four regions of Nyasa, Serengeti, Victoria, and Western.

However, despite these agenda items, Lissu's remarks on allegations of corruption sparked intense debate within and outside Chadema. His statement, made on May 2nd in Iringa, alleging significant sums of money being distributed during the party's internal elections, stirred controversy and divided party members, with some supporting him and others claiming it was divisive.

Addressing the issue, Lissu compared his statement to that of the Founding Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, who had vehemently opposed corruption within and outside the ruling party, CCM.

Additionally, the Secretary for Ideology, Propaganda, and Training of CCM, Amos Makalla, during a visit to the offices of PanAfricanvisions Communications Limited in Tabata Relini, Dar es Salaam, urged the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) and the Registrar of Political Parties to investigate Lissu's claims.

Responding to Makalla's statements, the Director General of PCCB, Salum Hamduni, affirmed that they were investigating the allegations. Similarly, the Registrar of Political Parties, Judge Francis Mutungi, emphasized that they were actively monitoring the situation but cautioned against being swayed by social media rumors.

During the committee meeting, Lissu reportedly presented his evidence around 2 a.m. after committee members reconvened from a break, emphasizing the importance of transparently and honestly addressing issues within the party for its future.

Although neither Lissu nor Mrema provided direct comments to PanAfricanvisions, sources indicated that Lissu had submitted his evidence, implicating some party members in the alleged corrupt practices.

In addition to the controversy surrounding Lissu's allegations, discussions were expected to continue today, 13^th May, 2024 regarding the nullification of elections in the Njombe Region, allegedly marred by irregularities, along with setting a formal date for the election process in the four regions where candidates had undergone interviews.

Meanwhile, the interview process for various party positions, including those within the Elder Council (Bazecha), Women's Council (Bawacha), and Youth Council (Bavicha), continued into yesterday, 12^th May, 2024 in the evening. Candidates expressed satisfaction with the centralized interview process conducted by the Central Committee, which they believed minimized external influences and ensured fairness.

Explaining the decision to conduct interviews in Dar es Salaam, former Mayor of Iringa, Alex Kimbe, running for the position of Deputy Chairman for the Nyasa Region, cited the dominance of influential figures in certain regions, which could compromise the integrity of the process.

The internal wrangles within Chadema, Tanzania's main opposition party, have not only sparked heated debates but also raised concerns about the party's unity and effectiveness in challenging the ruling party. The allegations of corruption and the ensuing divisions among party members have exposed underlying tensions that could potentially undermine Chadema's ability to present a cohesive front against the government.

Moving forward, it is imperative for Chadema to prioritize internal cohesion and transparency. Addressing grievances and allegations of misconduct through robust internal mechanisms will be crucial in rebuilding trust among party members and fostering a united front. Furthermore, the leadership must demonstrate a firm commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring fairness in internal processes, including elections and candidate selection.

Moreover, Chadema needs to focus on articulating a clear and compelling vision for the future of Tanzania. This entails developing concrete policies and strategies that resonate with the aspirations of the electorate and effectively address the pressing socio-economic challenges facing the country.

As well, fostering dialogue and collaboration with other opposition parties and civil society organizations can strengthen Chadema's position and broaden its support base. By building alliances and coalitions, the party can amplify its voice and enhance its capacity to advocate for meaningful political reforms and accountability.

Ultimately, Chadema's ability to navigate these internal challenges and present a coherent and credible alternative to the ruling party will determine its relevance and impact on Tanzania's political landscape. By embracing transparency, fostering unity, and articulating a compelling vision for change, Chadema can position itself as a formidable force for democratic progress and good governance in the country.