MWE Correspondent
Former Prime Minister of Tanzania and respected legal expert, Joseph Warioba, has broken his silence on a recent private conversation with opposition leader Tundu Lissu
a meeting that centered on the heated “No Reforms, No Election” campaign that has stirred national debate.
Speaking candidly, Warioba acknowledged the deep frustrations that have driven opposition leaders and civil society to question whether meaningful electoral reforms can happen in time for the 2025 general election. He confirmed that his talk with Lissu focused on the country’s need for a fair and transparent electoral process that all Tanzanians can trust.
“There is nothing extreme about what Lissu is asking,” Warioba said. “These are matters of principle — ensuring that every citizen’s vote counts, and that the process reflects our democratic aspirations.”
Warioba’s remarks come as pressure continues to mount on the government to overhaul the electoral system. Key demands from the opposition include the establishment of an independent electoral commission, equal access to public media, and legal protections for political candidates and their supporters.
Warioba, who previously chaired constitutional reform efforts, referenced recommendations made by earlier commissions which called for depoliticizing election oversight and strengthening democratic institutions. He warned that without genuine political will and a commitment to dialogue, the country risks sliding into deeper political division.
“What’s needed now is not just reform on paper, but genuine action,” he said. “Tanzania has the capacity to lead by example in Africa, but only if all sides come together in good faith.”
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In his meeting with Lissu, Warioba also reportedly encouraged further efforts toward national consensus. He pointed out that political reform is not just about fixing the past but laying a foundation for a more stable and inclusive future.
Lissu, on his part, has remained steadfast in the opposition’s position: without credible reforms, his party and other opposition groups will not take part in the 2025 elections. That stance has resonated with many citizens who still recall the turbulent 2020 elections, where several opposition candidates were disqualified and voter suppression was widely reported.
As the deadline for electoral changes looms, the government has yet to announce concrete steps toward the reforms being demanded. Observers note that Warioba’s public engagement could signal a renewed push for compromise.
“We cannot afford to let this moment pass us by,” Warioba said. “Our democracy is young, but it’s also resilient. We just need to listen to each other.”
The conversation between Warioba and Lissu may not have produced instant results, but it has added a layer of urgency — and hope — to Tanzania’s growing call for reform.
I totally agree.All Lissu was aiming for was simply an electoral reform and an independent electoral commission. He has been saying this for months now the incumbentis ignores it until he got mad,made some strong statements.which has subsequently landed him in a Treason charge., .My question is what exactly is the problem with his request? I stand to be corrected….However lessons must be learnt allowing people to how they feel in many cases curtail violence.
I totally i gree with you on freedom of expression..but you see one thing about Lissu and his CHADEMA Party is that,because they think they have the freedom to speak,and of cause knowing they are the biggest opposition party ,they just woke up and want to make all sorts unreasonable demands in the name of Democracy I sincerely doubt if his own party are happy with where he statements has brought them-crossroads. Its funny how these politicians art and think they can get away with it
@politicalpundit thanks for your thoughts,i can immediately sense you a CCM sympatiizer or perhaps a fullly – fleshed pary cardholder.My question is simple, was is wrong with Lissu’s request for electoral reforms? Because if it about timing of his request, we all know he started this campaign long time ago,but intensified it this year.
My brother,just as you are familiar with the saying that apples dont grow in a day or Rome was definitely not built in a day,same way with reforms…It is not automatic.Its a whole process that needs proper planning so indeed Tundu Lissu cannot just make demands when he knows these things take time…Patient is what he lacks.. General elections is in October and nothing willl chage that time frame
What 😳 the law was amended to create Independent National Electoral Commission INEC.
I mean to type officers NOT commission.thanks for the alert….But my question still.stands what is the problem with Lissu’s request ? Mind sharing your thoughts?