Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), meaning “Party for Democracy and Progress,” is the main opposition political party in Tanzania. Founded in 1992, it is a centre-right party that advocates for economic liberalism, a social market economy, and decentralization of power, including the introduction of federalism to allow regions to directly determine their governance.
CHADEMA became the second-largest party in the National Assembly in the 2010 general elections and has historically drawn significant support from major towns and urban areas like Arusha, Mwanza, and Dar es Salaam.
Current Political Status (As of late 2025)
CHADEMA is currently facing the most significant crisis in its history, challenging the viability of multi-party democracy in Tanzania.
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Disqualification from Elections: In April 2025, the party was barred from contesting the October 2025 presidential and parliamentary general elections, and all by-elections until 2030, by the National Electoral Commission (INEC). The official reason given was the party’s refusal to sign a mandatory electoral code of conduct, which CHADEMA argued was a protest against the government’s refusal to implement fundamental electoral reforms.
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Imprisonment of Leadership: The party’s leader, Tundu Lissu, who was elected Chairman in January 2025, was arrested and charged with treason in April 2025. This occurred after he led a campaign for an election boycott under the slogan, “No Reforms, No Elections,” amidst claims that the election would not be free or fair.
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Political Crackdown: The party has been subject to a severe crackdown, with numerous members and activists arrested and detained for organizing or supporting protests against the official election results and government policy.
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Rejection of Results: Following the October 2025 election, which was widely boycotted and criticized by international observers as lacking democratic standards, CHADEMA rejected the results as an “open coup” and refused to recognize President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s rule.
Ideology and Structure
| Element | Detail |
| Full Name | Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo |
| Abbreviation | CHADEMA |
| Founded | May 28, 1992 |
| Ideology | Centre-Right; Economic Liberalism, Federalism |
| Slogan | People’s Power |
| Key Organs | BAVICHA (Youth Wing); BAWACHA (Women’s Wing) |
The party’s current strategy, following its exclusion from the polls, is focused on mass mobilization, peaceful protest, and pushing for fundamental democratic and constitutional reforms before participating in any future elections.