Chadema Divided: Internal Strife Over Expulsion of MPs Threatens Party Unity

By Adonis Byemelwa

Tanzania's political landscape is currently marked by internal strife within the opposition party Chadema, intensified by the expulsion of 19 Special Seats Members of Parliament.

The conflict reached a critical juncture recently when Vice Chairman Tundu Lissu publicly voiced his discontent with what he described as covert efforts by some party leaders to reinstate the ousted MPs. Lissu, known for his outspoken nature, took to social media to express strong reservations about pardoning the expelled members.

"If they are allowed to return, it would mean they committed no wrongs, and it was us who erred," Lissu emphasized, highlighting the MPs' assertion in court that they acted within the party's constitutional bounds when they took their seats.

This assertion directly contradicted Chadema's decision to expel them in November 2020 for allegedly circumventing official party procedures.

Lissu's criticism underlines deep-rooted divisions within Chadema, particularly regarding the interpretation of party rules and the implications of reinstating members accused of disloyalty.

His remarks reflect broader concerns about maintaining party discipline and ideological coherence amidst internal dissent.

In response to Lissu's remarks, Chadema's Director of Communications, Protocol, and Foreign Affairs, John Mrema, struck a more cautious tone.

 While acknowledging Lissu's concerns, Mrema highlighted the party's adherence to legal processes, noting that the matter is currently before the courts.

"These individuals have ongoing legal proceedings with our party," Mrema stated, alluding to the pending appeals challenging their expulsion.

Mrema elaborated on Chadema's internal procedures for readmission, emphasizing that any reconsideration would hinge on the expelled members demonstrating genuine remorse and adherence to party guidelines.

"Our rules are clear on the steps required for a member who has been expelled to seek readmission," Mrema affirmed, suggesting that a formal apology or acknowledgment of wrongdoing would be necessary for any potential reinstatement.

The conflict within Chadema highlights broader challenges facing opposition parties in Tanzania, where political maneuvering and internal dissent often intersect with legal battles.

The expulsion of the 19 MPs and subsequent internal debates underscore the party's struggle to balance accountability with unity, particularly as Tanzania's political environment continues to evolve.

Observers note that the outcome of this internal dispute could have significant implications for Chadema's future trajectory and its ability to present a cohesive front against the ruling party.

The party's handling of disciplinary matters and internal governance will likely shape its credibility and effectiveness in Tanzania's political arena.

As Chadema navigates these challenges, the tension between maintaining party discipline and accommodating divergent views remains a critical issue.

The party leadership faces the delicate task of reconciling internal dissent with its commitment to upholding democratic principles and maintaining a strong opposition presence in Tanzanian politics.

Chadema members were officially stripped of their party membership on the night of May 12, 2020, after the party’s Central Committee dismissed their appeals challenging the decision of the Central Agency that revoked their memberships.

The Chadema Central Committee, the highest decision-making body of the party, supported the decision of the Executive Committee during its session.

The Chadema Executive Committee revoked their membership on November 27, 2020, finding them guilty of being sworn in as special seat MPs contrary to the party's regulations.

"We do not recognize the constituency we were announced to have won, the 19 special seats we were allocated, or the 107 million shillings subsidy we were supposed to receive," said Benson Kigaila, Deputy Secretary of Chadema for Mainland Tanzania.

According to Kigaila, Chadema's stance through its executive committee has never been to appoint anyone as a special seats MP.

"Chadema Secretary-General John Mnyika never wrote to the Electoral Commission appointing special seat MPs.

"The executive committee held an emergency meeting to address this urgent issue and those who decided to take the oath in the name of Chadema without being elected by Chadema," the executive committee met to discuss the emergency issue and those who have been given the authority have come to their which is being.

In essence, the ongoing conflict within Chadema over the expulsion of its MPs underscores the complexities of political management and ideological cohesion within opposition parties. The outcome of this internal struggle will not only impact Chadema's internal dynamics but also its broader political influence in Tanzania's evolving democratic landscape.