‘No Reforms, No Election’: Witness traces origin of Chadema campaign in Lissu trial

Dar es Salaam. The third defence witness in the treason trial of Chadema Chairman Tundu Lissu detailed to the High Court’s Dar es Salaam Sub-Registry on Wednesday the origins and motives behind the party’s ‘No Reforms, No Election’ campaign.

Testifying in court on September 2, 2026, Chadema Mainland Deputy Secretary-General Aman Golugwa stated he conceived the idea alongside nine regional secretaries whilst serving as Northern Zone Secretary.

He noted their recommendations formed part of official reports following the 2024 Local Government Elections.

Mr Lissu, an advocate of the High Court and subordinate courts, faces treason charges under Section 39(2)(d) of the Penal Code, Chapter 16, as amended in 2023, over alleged statements threatening the government.

Prosecution claims that on April 3, 2025, Mr Lissu seditiously incited the public to disrupt the 2025 General Election, uttering and publishing online statements to coerce the Head of State.

“They say one thing here, this stance indicates rebellion, it is true... because we say we will stop the election, we will incite rebellion, that is how to achieve change... so we are going to make trouble... especially this election we are going to disrupt it thoroughly... we are going to make very bad trouble...” Mr Lissu is alleged to have stated.

A three-judge panel comprising Judges Dunstan Ndunguru (presiding), James Karayemaha, and Ferdinand Kiwonde is hearing the case.

April 3 meeting

Mr Golugwa acknowledged awareness of the April 3, 2025 Chadema gathering where Mr Lissu allegedly made the comments.

He testified that Secretary-General John Mnyika, another defence witness, initiated the meeting, which the secretariat subsequently organised.

Mr Golugwa explained the event convened prospective 2025 General Election candidates to clarify the party’s ‘No Reforms, No Election’ position.

That stance, he said, grew out of the 2024 local government polls and outlined the party's future strategic trajectory.

He reiterated that regional secretaries jointly advised Chadema to boycott subsequent polls without systemic electoral reforms.

“Given the foolishness I witnessed, the party ought not to participate in any election without pressing for electoral reforms,” he testified.

Chadema’s Central Committee subsequently deliberated, reviewed the realities, and endorsed the proposal.

On December 10, 2024, former Chairman Freeman Mbowe formally announced the decision, using the English slogan ‘No Reforms, No Election’.

Allegations of irregularities

Clarifying the alleged irregularities, Mr Golugwa claimed returning officers systematically frustrated Chadema and opposition aspirants during candidate nominations.

He stated electoral officials deliberately avoided candidates, refused to issue or collect nomination papers, and colluded with ruling CCM candidates to disqualify opposition figures by altering details on forms.

Some candidates were disqualified on grounds of illiteracy or questionable citizenship.

Where candidates survived disqualification, Mr Golugwa stated organised violence, rally disruptions, and venue reassignments severely hampered campaign activities.

Polling day conduct

Mr Golugwa told the bench that on polling day, Chadema agents found their accreditation affidavits missing, whereas CCM agents experienced no such hurdles.

Officials directed opposition agents to tracing centres, leaving polling stations unmanned.

“That is where the problem lies, My Lords. Our agents were kept out under the pretence of finding affidavits, enabling ballot-stuffing in their absence,” alleged Mr Golugwa.

Official results recorded a 99.2 percent victory for CCM, leaving opposition parties with 0.8 percent combined. In the Northern Zone, CCM secured 98.7 percent.

Mr Golugwa expressed shock at the scale of irregularities compared to past elections, noting disqualifications exclusively targeted opposition parties like Chadema, ACT-Wazalendo, and CUF, whereas no CCM candidate faced similar hurdles.

AU observer report

Mr Golugwa cited the African Union (AU) Observer Mission report, which concluded the 2024 Local Government Elections fell short of democratic standards.

The report documented instances where voters received multiple ballots and electoral officers stuffed ballot boxes, compromising the election's credibility.

The hearing continues on Thursday, September 3, 2026, when Mr Golugwa resumes his testimony.