MWE Correspondent
Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema), has rejected a directive from the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties annulling recent leadership appointments within the party.
The decision, issued on Monday, May 13, 2025, nullified the confirmation of eight top party officials appointed during the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on January 22, 2025. Those affected include John Mnyika, who serves as Secretary General, Deputy Secretaries Amani Golugwa (Mainland) and Ally Ibrahim Juma (Zanzibar), along with five members of the Central Committee, including Godbless Lema, Rose Mayemba, Salma Kasanzu, Hafidh Ally Saleh, and Dr. Rugemeleza Nshala, who is also the party’s Chief Legal Adviser.
The annulment was prompted by a petition filed by Lembrus Mchome, Chadema’s District Chairperson for Mwanga, who argued that the January meeting lacked the required quorum under the party’s constitution.
Responding publicly during a rally on Tuesday in Serengeti District, Mara Region, Chadema Vice Chairperson for Mainland John Heche dismissed the directive, stating that the appointments had followed proper internal procedures and were not up for reversal.
“The Registrar says he doesn’t recognize our Secretary General or Central Committee members — that’s his problem. Our constitution clearly states that the Secretary General is appointed by the Chairperson and confirmed by the NEC. Anyone who disagrees can appeal to the National Congress,” Heche declared.
He further criticized the move as politically motivated and warned the Registrar against what he called “abuse of legal authority.”
“If the Registrar wants to deregister Chadema, let him go ahead — but he must stop using threats,” said Heche.
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The Registrar’s office insists that the decision will stand unless Chadema conducts a fresh NEC meeting with appropriate quorum. But the opposition party remains unmoved, arguing that the leadership changes were legitimate and constitutionally sound.
This standoff adds to a growing list of tensions between Chadema and state authorities ahead of the upcoming general elections in Tanzania. Earlier this year, Chadema was barred from contesting after refusing to sign the Electoral Code of Ethics, citing a lack of transparency and fairness.
Led by Tundu Lissu, a prominent lawyer and human rights advocate, Chadema has long positioned itself as a reformist party in Tanzania’s evolving multiparty democracy.
The latest fallout reflects broader concerns over political freedoms, party autonomy, and the role of state institutions in Tanzania’s electoral process. With the 2025 general election on the horizon, observers will be closely watching how this power struggle unfolds and what it means for democratic governance in the country.
