The expulsion of the 19 pictured MPs and subsequent internal debates underline the party's struggle to balance accountability with unity. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
Tanzania's political landscape
is currently marked by internal strife within the opposition party Chadema,
intensified by the expulsion of 19 Special Seats Members of Parliament.
The conflict reached a critical
juncture recently when Vice Chairman Tundu Lissu publicly voiced his discontent
with what he described as covert efforts by some party leaders to reinstate the
ousted MPs. Lissu, known for his outspoken nature, took to social media to
express strong reservations about pardoning the expelled members.
"If they are allowed to
return, it would mean they committed no wrongs, and it was us who erred,"
Lissu emphasized, highlighting the MPs' assertion in court that they acted
within the party's constitutional bounds when they took their seats.
This assertion directly
contradicted Chadema's decision to expel them in November 2020 for allegedly
circumventing official party procedures.
Lissu's criticism underlines
deep-rooted divisions within Chadema, particularly regarding the interpretation
of party rules and the implications of reinstating members accused of
disloyalty.
His remarks reflect broader
concerns about maintaining party discipline and ideological coherence amidst
internal dissent.
In response to Lissu's remarks,
Chadema's Director of Communications, Protocol, and Foreign Affairs, John
Mrema, struck a more cautious tone.
While acknowledging Lissu's concerns, Mrema
highlighted the party's adherence to legal processes, noting that the matter is
currently before the courts.
"These individuals have
ongoing legal proceedings with our party," Mrema stated, alluding to the
pending appeals challenging their expulsion.
Mrema elaborated on Chadema's
internal procedures for readmission, emphasizing that any reconsideration would
hinge on the expelled members demonstrating genuine remorse and adherence to
party guidelines.
"Our rules are clear on the
steps required for a member who has been expelled to seek readmission,"
Mrema affirmed, suggesting that a formal apology or acknowledgment of
wrongdoing would be necessary for any potential reinstatement.
The conflict within Chadema
highlights broader challenges facing opposition parties in Tanzania, where
political maneuvering and internal dissent often intersect with legal battles.
The expulsion of the 19 MPs and
subsequent internal debates underscore the party's struggle to balance
accountability with unity, particularly as Tanzania's political environment
continues to evolve.
Observers note that the outcome
of this internal dispute could have significant implications for Chadema's
future trajectory and its ability to present a cohesive front against the
ruling party.
The party's handling of
disciplinary matters and internal governance will likely shape its credibility
and effectiveness in Tanzania's political arena.
As Chadema navigates these
challenges, the tension between maintaining party discipline and accommodating
divergent views remains a critical issue.
The party leadership faces the
delicate task of reconciling internal dissent with its commitment to upholding
democratic principles and maintaining a strong opposition presence in Tanzanian
politics.
Chadema members were officially
stripped of their party membership on the night of May 12, 2020, after the
party’s Central Committee dismissed their appeals challenging the decision of
the Central Agency that revoked their memberships.
The Chadema Central Committee,
the highest decision-making body of the party, supported the decision of the
Executive Committee during its session.
The Chadema Executive Committee
revoked their membership on November 27, 2020, finding them guilty of being
sworn in as special seat MPs contrary to the party's regulations.
"We do not recognize the
constituency we were announced to have won, the 19 special seats we were
allocated, or the 107 million shillings subsidy we were supposed to
receive," said Benson Kigaila, Deputy Secretary of Chadema for Mainland
Tanzania.
According to Kigaila, Chadema's
stance through its executive committee has never been to appoint anyone as a
special seats MP.
"Chadema Secretary-General
John Mnyika never wrote to the Electoral Commission appointing special seat
MPs.
"The executive committee
held an emergency meeting to address this urgent issue and those who decided to
take the oath in the name of Chadema without being elected by Chadema,"
the executive committee met to discuss the emergency issue and those who have
been given the authority have come to their which is being.
In essence, the ongoing conflict
within Chadema over the expulsion of its MPs underscores the complexities of
political management and ideological cohesion within opposition parties. The
outcome of this internal struggle will not only impact Chadema's internal
dynamics but also its broader political influence in Tanzania's evolving
democratic landscape.