Chadema Leadership Changes Spark Internal Tensions

Chadema Faces Internal Tensions as Leadership Shifts

Dar es Salaam, February 21, 2025 – John Heche, the Deputy Chairman for Chadema in Mainland Tanzania, has stated that internal frustrations within the party are driven by a small group of individuals whose power has diminished following the recent leadership changes.

Despite the ongoing discord, Heche emphasized that the party remains committed to focusing on the issues that directly affect Tanzanians, rather than succumbing to internal divisions.

His comments come amidst a period of differing opinions within Chadema, largely sparked by factions arising from the party's recent internal elections. These elections, held on January 21 and 22 of this year, saw Tundu Lissu defeating Freeman Mbowe for the presidency, while Heche himself triumphed over Ezekia Wenje for the position of Deputy Chairman for Mainland Tanzania.

The election process exposed a clear divide within the party between supporters of Mbowe and Lissu. However, after the results, both camps agreed to work towards unity within Chadema, adopting the slogan “Stronger Together.”

Speaking on Friday, February 21, 2025, Heche addressed party members in the Northern Zone, reiterating that the party’s Central Committee had already thoroughly discussed the election outcomes, and there was no time to waste moving forward. He stated that only a few members, whose interests had been disrupted by the leadership change, were sowing discord. He made it clear that these individuals, who sought to provoke conflict, were not a threat to the party’s unity.

“We are not weak,” Heche asserted. “Those who know me understand I am not one to back down.”

Heche urged party members to disregard sensational media reports aimed at creating rifts within Chadema and reiterated that even those who did not support his candidacy in the party’s recent elections had his full respect. He added that no one needed to apologize for failing to back his leadership bid.

Heche further reflected on his long history with the party, pointing to the young people who joined Chadema and later moved to CCM, being appointed to key government positions, while he remained steadfast. “It was not because I wasn’t persuaded; I was. But I’ve stuck to our cause because I believe in it,” he said.

Regarding future party appointments, Heche made it clear that selection would be based on merit, not political allegiance. “We will not play favorites. If someone deserves a special seat, they will get it—regardless of who they supported in the leadership elections,” he emphasized.

Heche also addressed the issue of electoral reforms, referring to the "No reform, no election" stance the party has taken. He explained that Chadema has identified 16 critical shortcomings in the country's election laws, which they believe hinder opposition parties from achieving victory. These issues have been raised with religious leaders, who have been informed of the party's demands for free and fair elections.

“We will continue to engage with civil society organizations and the international community, and we will soon make our position clear,” Heche said, underscoring the party’s ongoing efforts to restore the power of the people's vote.

Commenting on the recent local government elections, Heche argued that the results were proof enough that opposition parties should demand electoral reforms. He expressed frustration at those within Chadema who suggested moving forward with elections under the current system, calling it “insanity” to repeat the same approach and expect different results.

In response to accusations from CCM that Chadema is unprepared for future elections, Heche was resolute: “Winning an election is not about money; it’s about having quality candidates, and Chadema has them in abundance.” He added that the party’s agenda and commitment to justice were key assets for any election campaign.

“We don’t need months to prepare. With our extensive network, we can hit the ground running. All we need is an independent and fair election commission,” he concluded, reaffirming Chadema’s refusal to participate in elections merely designed to serve CCM’s interests.