CHADEMA National Chairman Tundu Lissu has criticized the country’s electoral system for hindering gender equality, stating that it makes it hard for women to compete with men for constituency votes and forces them to depend on special seats.

Speaking to women of his party in Dar es Salaam today March 8, 2025 during International Women's Day (IWD) celebrations, Lissu pointed out that the constitutional system has failed women, as their representation in parliament remains below 10 percent without the use of special seats. 

He noted that, despite over 50 percent of voters being women, only 9 percent of women are elected through direct votes.

“Our constitutional system has failed women, which is why, without special seats, their representation in parliament is below 10 percent,” said Lissu.

He added: “Our constitution calls for human equality, stating that all people are equal before the law and prohibits discrimination based on gender.”

He further emphasized that while more than half of the electorate is made up of women, their voices are not being heard through direct elections. 

Lissu called for electoral reforms, asserting that the current system does not serve women and is one of the key reasons for his party’s stance: “No reforms, no elections.”

Lissu called for electoral reforms, asserting that the current system does not serve women and is one of the key reasons for his party’s stance: “No reforms, no elections.”