By Adonis Byemelwa
The election to get the Njombe Regional Chairperson, featuring candidates Rose Mayemba and Ahadi Tweve, erupted into chaos on Friday, May 24, 2024, after clashes between supporters halted the process. Confusion over the legitimacy of certain delegates from the Makete District, who were claimed to be ineligible, sparked the disruption.
Nyasa Zone Chadema Chairman, Reverend Peter Msigwa, confirmed to PanAfricanvisions that the election was derailed by members causing unrest. “The election has indeed been disrupted by those among the losing factions from before, leading to the chaos and resulting in the election being postponed until further notice,” said Msigwa.
Njombe region party member Jimy Sanga reported that the commotion started when members claimed that delegates from the Makete constituency were not legitimate. “The election was abruptly stopped, with some saying it failed to proceed due to constitutional confusion. Many issues have emerged, and we are waiting for the party to provide further guidelines,” he stated.
Another party member, who requested anonymity, claimed the process was postponed because of the disturbances caused by one faction disputing the participation of Makete constituency leaders in the regional election. “The appeal against the Makete constituency election was decided by the central committee, which ruled that those delegates were not legitimate, rendering the Makete election invalid,” he explained.
On May 17, Chadema’s Director of Protocol, Communications, and Foreign Affairs noted that the central committee meeting held from May 11 to 14 discussed various appeals, including those concerning the annulled Njombe regional election.
Mrema stated that the central committee nullified the election due to non-compliance with the party’s constitution and election rules. “The central committee agreed with the reasons for nullifying the election and ordered a re-run. There will be no new form collection or vetting; the same candidates from the first round will contest,” Mrema announced. When contacted for further comments, Mrema indicated he would provide a statement later.
Chadema Deputy Chairman for Tanzania Mainland, Tundu Lissu, has frequently raised concerns about ethical challenges within the party’s election processes. Lissu has been vocal about issues such as internal democracy, transparency, and adherence to the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.
One of Lissu’s primary concerns has been the influence of factions within the party, which he argues undermines the integrity of elections and the democratic process. He asserts that factionalism leads to unfair practices and conflicts, as evidenced by the recent disruption in Njombe. According to Lissu, the presence of illegitimate delegates, as seen in the Makete controversy, reflects deeper systemic issues that need addressing.
Lissu has also emphasized the importance of resolving disputes through established legal and constitutional channels rather than through disruptive actions.
He advocates for robust internal mechanisms to handle grievances and appeals transparently to maintain the party’s credibility.
He highlighted the need for comprehensive electoral reforms within Chadema to ensure that all elections are conducted fairly and that all members’ voices are heard. This includes stricter enforcement of rules and clear guidelines to prevent any form of malpractice or manipulation during the election process.
In his view, maintaining high ethical standards is crucial for Chadema to position itself as a credible alternative to the ruling party. Lissu’s call for ethical reform is seen as part of his broader vision to strengthen Chadema’s internal democracy and enhance its role in the country’s political landscape.
