CHADEMA Mainland vice chairman Tundu Lissu is initiating a renewed push for constitutional reform as he seeks to replace veteran chairman Freeman Mbowe at the helm of the party.

In a pulsating address to his followers and a breadth of onlookers at Mlimani City yesterday, he said is also pursuing an independent electoral system and a commitment to justice and human rights.

He suggested well ahead of his being voted to the party’s top post that Chadema’s new slogan should be “no reforms, no elections,” underlining that the party should refuse to participate in elections unless substantial changes are made to the country’s electoral framework.

“We need to return to our core agenda—a new democratic constitution, an independent electoral system, and justice for all,’ he said, pointing at the need to “revitalise the morale and fighting spirit of Chadema leaders, members and supporters.”

“There is need for a new leadership style, one that privileges confrontation over reconciliation, which has often been the party’s approach in the past.” he stated.

He described himself as the ideal candidate “for this critical moment in Tanzania’s political history,” telling the audience of his “record of integrity, patriotism and steadfast commitment to the country’s democratic struggle” as the premise of qualifications for the chairmanship.

“This new phase of the struggle requires a leader who has demonstrated integrity and earned the trust of the people. I believe my history of integrity and trustworthiness is well known to most Tanzanians,” he further stated.

An auxiliary aspect of Lissu’s platform is advocating for constitutional reforms within Chadema itself, he said, pointing at the need to restore term limits for party leadership positions.

This will foster a culture of leadership renewal and fresh ideas in the leading opposition party, he stated, arguing that the party has grown larger and more sophisticated, “and we no longer have to fear a shortage of capable leaders.” 

Reintroducing term limits would prevent leaders from overstaying their welcome and help reduce internal divisions caused by succession struggles, he emphasised.

 “This move will not only discourage power struggles but will also ensure that Chadema remains vibrant and adaptable, fostering new leaders for each generation,” he said.

Term limits would help dismantle the sycophancy culture that tends to flourish when leaders hold power indefinitely, the presumptive candidate intoned.