A long-serving CCM member, Christopher ole Sendeka, has sharply criticised Tanzania’s opposition parties, urging them to abandon “excuses” and focus on preparing solid candidates and coherent policies to effectively challenge the ruling party.

Addressing journalists in Arusha over the weekend, Ole Sendeka did not mince words, asserting that the opposition’s recurring electoral failures stem from a fundamental lack of preparation and an overreliance on political defectors. Ole Sendeka, who has held various senior positions within the CCM party, argued that the only times the opposition managed to pose a serious threat to the ruling party was when they fielded individuals who had previously built their political credibility within CCM. 

He linked his arguments to notable elections, stating: “The only time they came close to posing a serious threat to CCM was when they nominated individuals who had previously built their political credibility within CCM. This is no coincidence.” He cited three major examples: In 1995, the opposition fielded Augustine Lyatonga Mrema, a former CCM minister.

In 2010, they nominated Dr Wilbroad Slaa, who was also from CCM. In 2015, they fielded Edward Lowassa, a former Prime Minister and prominent CCM figure. “These were not grassroots opposition politicians, these were established leaders nurtured by CCM,” he asserted.

Ole Sendeka was particularly critical of the recent “No Reforms, No Elections” campaign, pioneered by the main opposition party, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA). He dismissed the slogan as a mere diversion tactic, arguing that the call for electoral boycotts stems from internal disorganisation and lack of readiness rather than legitimate democratic concerns.

“This slogan is nothing more than an excuse,” he stated. “If you are truly confident in your vision and your leadership, you go to the people, not run away from the ballot. Elections are the heartbeat of democracy. You cannot claim to fight for democracy by running away from it.” 

He urged opposition parties to abandon populist rhetoric and focus on building strong grassroots structures, drafting clear and realistic policies, establishing permanent offices nationwide, and nurturing new political talent. The CCM veteran further condemned what he referred to as “misleading propaganda” being spread by political activists living abroad. 

He claimed many of these individuals have no real stake in Tanzania’s democratic process “There are people who live in foreign countries, some of whom are not even Tanzanians, who are busy on social media urging our people not to vote, and instead to take to the streets. 

This is reckless and dangerous,” Ole Sendeka cautioned. He accused these activists of living in comfort and safety abroad while inciting young Tanzanians to risk arrest, violence, and instability—a situation he called “immoral” and disconnected from realities on the ground. 

Ole Sendeka concluded by calling on the youth to ignore such voices and instead participate actively in the upcoming October 29th General Election. 

“Democracy is built through institutions, not chaos. If you want change, register, vote and hold your leaders accountable. That is your power,” he concluded. He underscored the importance of having an opposition that challenges the ruling party with ideas and alternative solutions through parliament.