The Tanzanian party for Democracy and Progress, commonly known as Chadema, has a long and storied history. It was founded in 1992, shortly after Tanzania adopted a multiparty system of democracy.

Despite its efforts, Chadema has yet to secure an electoral victory over the ruling CCM (Chama Cha Mapinduzi) party, which has ruled the nation since it became a united republic in 1964. This year, in October, Chadema will get another opportunity when Tanzanian voters go to the polls to elect their president and members of parliament.

Party chairman Freeman Mbowe has been rallying his members to forge a united front. Addressing those gathered at Chadema headquarters in Dar es Salaam, the country's larest city, last Thursday. "When we leave Dar es Salaam, our unity must be stronger than ever before," Mbowe emphasized.

From January 21 to 22, Chadema members convene in Dar es Salaam to vote on the party leadership, including who is likely to become the party's flagbearer in the election. The race pits longtime chairman Mbowe against his deputy, Tundu Lissu. The stakes in the two-day party congress extend beyond the chairmanship to the party's future direction.

Whereas Mbowe champions continuity, arguing that the party's past successes should not be overlooked, Lissu has called for transformative changes. In an interview with DW, Lissu criticized the party's resource distribution, noting that Chadema's wealth often remains concentrated at its headquarters in Dar es Salaam, rather than reaching its grassroots in regional areas.

Lissu also stressed the need for structured leadership........

© Deutsche Welle