DESIRE for change within the leading opposition party explains the victory of former Chadema Mainland vice chairman Tundu Lissu over veteran party leader Freeman Mbowe, analysts say.

City-based analyst Hamduni Maliseli said in an interview that Lissu’s victory reflects Chadema members’ desire for leadership change, meanwhile as the closely election shows deep rifts and the need to heal those cleavages.

The outcome shows divided support for the incoming chairman, which implies need for careful attention to fostering party unity in moving forward, he stated. 

The two former contestants must now fulfill their promises of cooperation to ensure that party unity is maintained, he said

Vincent Mpepo, an assistant lecturer at the Open University of Tanzania, said that Chadema’s internal election process is a positive example for other parties as it was transparent and fair, a mood that should characterise the party beyond its election period.

Dr. Joshua Mwaipape, a lecturer at the University of Dodoma, was emphatic that democracy had triumphed, with Lissu emerging as the leader that members and other party supporters wanted. 

This election has encouraged party members, especially the youth, to be courageous and is rejuvenating Chadema for future growth, he suggested.

Alex Simoni, a resident of Kahama municipality, said the election showed Chadema’s political maturity, expressing the hope that Lissu’s win bodes well for members’ faith in the party leadership.

“Mbowe had lost his appeal,’ he declared, affirming that the win by his opponent would also help the party attract strong candidates for upcoming elections.

Mary Samweli, also resident in Kahama, stressed the opposition’s role in holding the government accountable, urging Lissu and vice-chairman John Heche to tour the country to unite the party, dissolve factions and recruit potential election candidates.

Mabula Shija, in Mwanza, expressed gratitude to the former chairman for facilitating a peaceful transition, urging him to assist in uniting the party. 

Marwa Mniko, resident in Musoma, was of the view that the Lissu and Heche leadership was a prelude to greater success in the general election late this year.

In his farewell speech, Mbowe handed over responsibilities to the new leaders, urging them to “heal the wounds” caused by the election.

He emphasized the importance of building a party that respects democracy and holds free and transparent elections, while the incoming party leader, in his remarks, declared that the former chairman will be a lifelong member of the central committee.

He also credited Mbowe for leading the party from having only five MPs to becoming the largest and leading party in the country, marking significant success for Chadema.