Tundu Lissu, a prominent Tanzanian opposition figure and former presidential candidate, has been elected as the new leader of Chadema, the country’s largest opposition party. His victory ends Freeman Mbowe’s 21-year tenure as chairman, ushering in a new chapter for the party ahead of Tanzania’s general elections later this year.
Leadership Transition
Freeman Mbowe, who has been at the helm of Chadema since 2004, gracefully conceded defeat via his X account, extending congratulations and best wishes to Lissu. This leadership change, announced early Wednesday, has been described as a watershed moment for the party, signaling both opportunity and challenges as it seeks to unseat the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.
Internal Divisions Exposed
The contest for Chadema’s top position was highly contested, revealing deep divisions within the party. Political analysts have highlighted the significance of these internal struggles, noting that unity will be crucial if Chadema hopes to pose a credible challenge to CCM in the upcoming elections.
Tundu Lissu: A Resilient Leader
Lissu is widely regarded as a fearless advocate for justice, human rights, and constitutional reform. A lawyer and former Member of Parliament, his political career has been marked by resilience. In 2017, Lissu survived a near-fatal assassination attempt during the tenure of the late President John Magufuli. After years in exile, he returned to Tanzania in January 2023, determined to reshape the country’s political landscape.
Initially vying to retain his role as Chadema’s vice chairman, Lissu announced his candidacy for the chairmanship in December 2024. His campaign leaned heavily on his reputation as a bold reformer, rallying support among party members who yearned for renewed vigor in their leadership.
Preparing for the 2025 Elections
Lissu’s election comes as Chadema gears up to challenge CCM in the October 2025 general elections. This will be the first major electoral test against President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania’s first female head of state and CCM’s flag bearer. Chadema aims to strengthen its position by addressing internal divisions and presenting a unified front under Lissu’s leadership.
A New Direction for Chadema
Tundu Lissu’s victory represents a significant turning point for Chadema. His leadership is expected to focus on revitalizing the party’s strategy, consolidating support, and mounting a robust opposition to CCM’s dominance. As Tanzania heads toward a critical election year, all eyes will be on Chadema to see whether this leadership change can translate into electoral success.
