Joseph Isangura
Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema), is preparing to take the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties to court, claiming it has acted beyond its legal boundaries and deliberately misinterpreted the party’s internal constitution.
This decision was announced on Wednesday, June 4, by John Heche, Chadema’s Vice Chairman for Mainland Tanzania, following a meeting of the party’s Central Committee held a day earlier.
“The Registrar is trying to dictate how we understand our own constitution,” said Heche during a press briefing in Dar es Salaam. “That’s not his role. We have the right to interpret and apply our constitution as it was intended.”
Heche added that the party intends to file the case no later than Monday, June 9, 2025, accusing the Registrar’s office of also taking steps to block Chadema from receiving its share of government subsidies allocated to political parties.
“This is not just a legal matter—it’s about justice and political equality,” Heche said.
The Political Parties Act grants the Registrar oversight responsibilities, but Chadema argues that interpreting internal party laws goes beyond the Registrar’s mandate.
For years, Chadema has accused the Registrar’s office of showing favoritism toward the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), claims that have repeatedly been denied by state officials.
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This latest legal battle comes at a tense time, with Tanzania’s general election set to take place in October 2025. Political parties are preparing for high-stakes campaigning amid growing public interest and pressure for reform.
In January, Chadema elected Tundu Lissu, a fierce government critic and former Member of Parliament, as its new chairman, succeeding long-serving leader Freeman Mbowe. Under Lissu’s leadership, the party has launched a bold “No Reform, No Election” campaign, insisting on electoral and constitutional reforms before participating in the upcoming polls.
However, government officials have dismissed these demands. The Prime Minister and electoral authorities have maintained that elections will proceed as scheduled, and that all registered parties are expected to comply with electoral procedures.
The Registrar of Political Parties has stood by its actions, stating that it acts in accordance with national laws and regulations.
Still, Heche says this is a critical moment for democracy in Tanzania.
“We’re not just defending Chadema—we’re standing up for all political actors in the country who believe in fair play and constitutional order,” he said.
