Chedema, the main opposition party in the Republic of Tanzania, has chosen celebrated politician Tundu Lissu as its new chairman in preparation for Tanzania’s upcoming general election.
Lissu’s victory comes at the expense of Freeman Mbowe, who has held the chairman role for nearly two decades.
Throughout the campaign, Lissu criticized Mbowe for his perceived shift in approach, suggesting he had become overly conciliatory towards the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which has maintained power since the country’s independence.
Lissu pledged to implement reforms within the party, although they have yet to select their presidential candidate.
A significant shift is occurring in the East African nation, coinciding with a government crackdown on opposition forces and internal strife within the Chadema party, which analysts believe may diminish its prospects in the upcoming elections.
Lissu served as a Member of Parliament from 2010 until 2017.
The opposition is set to compete against Suluhu, who has been unanimously chosen as the presidential candidate for her ruling CCM party.
Suluhu assumed office in 2021 following the unexpected passing of her authoritarian predecessor, John Magufuli, and was initially praised for relaxing restrictions on opposition and media in a country with a population of approximately 67 million.
Last month, Lissu cautioned that the party would “block the elections through confrontation” unless there were reforms to the electoral system. As of now, Chadema has yet to announce its candidate for this year’s presidential election.
