Lissu Demands Reforms in “No Reforms, No Election” Push

Lissu: Electoral System at Heart of Tanzanians' Challenges

Saturday, March 29, 2025

Chunya, Mbeya – The Chairman of the opposition party Chadema, Tundu Lissu, has stated that the root of many socio-economic issues facing Tanzanians lies in the country's flawed electoral system, which continues to produce leaders who fail to address citizens' real problems.

Speaking on Saturday at a public rally in Makongorosi, Chunya District, Mbeya Region, Lissu emphasized the message of Chadema’s ongoing nationwide campaign, “No Reforms, No Election.” The campaign calls for sweeping changes to the electoral framework before any future elections are held.

According to Lissu, the lack of comprehensive electoral reforms has resulted in a cycle where incompetent leaders are elected, contributing to increased hardships for ordinary citizens. He highlighted specific concerns affecting various sectors, including the mining and public service industries.

“Our miners are being burdened by a multiplicity of tax-collecting agencies. At the same time, civil servants — teachers, nurses, and police officers — face unjust deductions imposed by the government,” Lissu noted during his address.

He further argued that the process of electing leaders in Tanzania has a direct impact on policy decisions that eventually affect livelihoods. “These ministers causing all these problems are members of parliament. And to become an MP, one must be elected,” Lissu pointed out.

He maintained that only a transparent and fair electoral system can enable Tanzanians to elect leaders who are committed to solving their problems, rather than exacerbating them. Lissu urged the public to understand the significance of election reforms and push for necessary changes.

He also criticized the current system for restricting Tanzanians’ right to choose their preferred leaders, citing issues such as the prevention of Chadema agents from monitoring elections — a practice he says undermines electoral integrity.

Echoing Lissu’s sentiments, Chadema’s Nyasa Zone Chairman, Joseph Mbilinyi — popularly known as “Sugu” — said that violence should never be a prerequisite for a Chadema candidate to be declared the winner of an election. He called for a culture where victories are recognized freely and fairly.

“Teachers, be fair in your roles. When you’re given responsibilities, act with integrity. Ultimately, we’re not demanding you oversee these processes — we want a new system that prevents situations where people claim they were coerced,” said Sugu during his remarks to the crowd.