Tanzanian Opposition Party CHADEMA Raises Over 30 Million Shillings in Three Days Amid Electoral Reform Push

 

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – May 31, 2025

Tanzania’s main opposition party, CHADEMA, has raised an impressive 30,244,700 Tanzanian Shillings (TSh) in just three days through a nationwide fundraising campaign, averaging 10 million TSh per day. The announcement was made by John Heche, a prominent CHADEMA Leader (Vice Chairperson), via a post on X at 16:11 UTC on Saturday, May 31, 2025. The funds were collected as part of the party’s "Tone Kwa Tone" initiative, a symbolic campaign aimed at mobilizing resources for CHADEMA’s fight for electoral and constitutional reforms.

Heche expressed gratitude to the Tanzanian public, stating, “Asanteni Watanzania. Kwa siku tatu mmetuchangia sh 30,244,700. Vita hii ni ya kwetu na tutaishinda,” which translates to “Thank you, Tanzanians. In three days, you have contributed 30,244,700 TSh. This fight is ours, and we will win.” 

The campaign is part of CHADEMA’s broader push for electoral reforms under the hashtag #NoReformsNoElection, a slogan that has gained traction following the party’s exclusion from the upcoming October 2025 general election.

The fundraising comes at a critical time for CHADEMA, which has faced significant government pushback. On April 12, 2025, the Independent National Elections Commission barred CHADEMA from participating in the election after the party refused to sign a code of conduct document, a move they argued was a protest against the lack of electoral reforms. This followed the arrest of CHADEMA’s leader, Tundu Lissu, on charges of treason after he called for an independent electoral commission and changes to election laws during a rally in southern Tanzania. Lissu, who survived an assassination attempt in 2017, has been a vocal critic of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which has held power since Tanzania’s independence in 1961.

The success of the fundraising effort underscores the deep public discontent with the current political climate in Tanzania.

 Since the country’s transition to a multiparty democracy in 1992 under President Ali Hassan Mwinyi, calls for constitutional reform have persisted. CHADEMA and other opposition groups have long demanded a new constitution to address systemic issues, including the lack of an independent electoral commission and laws that favor the ruling CCM party. The 2011 Democracy Index ranked Tanzania as a “hybrid regime,” and subsequent Freedom House reports have noted a decline in democratic metrics, a trend that has continued into 2025 with the recent crackdown on opposition activities.

As Tanzania approaches the October 2025 election, the political tension is palpable. The CCM, expected to retain power following CHADEMA’s exclusion, has faced criticism for stifling dissent and undermining democratic processes. 

The coming months will likely see heightened activism from CHADEMA and its supporters as they navigate the challenges of political repression and work to keep their movement alive in the face of an increasingly authoritarian government. For now, the 30 million shillings raised in just three days stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of Tanzanians advocating for change.