Dar es Salaam. Tanzanians have turned social media into a political battleground as opposition party Chadema’s “No Reforms, No Election” campaign gains unprecedented traction online—drawing the attention of citizens, celebrities, politicians and even international visitors.
What began as a call for comprehensive electoral reforms has evolved into a viral movement. The slogan “No Reforms, No Election” (commonly abbreviated as NRNE) now dominates the comment sections of major Tanzanian social media pages—from government institutions and media houses to influencers and private companies. Whether under news articles, entertainment posts or product advertisements, users are flooding platforms with the same message: No Reforms, No Election.
Officially launched by Chadema on 23 March 2025 in Mbeya Region, the campaign seeks to pressure the government into overhauling the country’s electoral system ahead of the October general election. The opposition argues that the current framework is marred by injustice, citing frequent disqualification of opposition candidates, a lack of transparency in vote counting, and alleged manipulation by the National Electoral Commission.
But what has stunned many observers is how quickly the campaign has taken over digital spaces—becoming a decentralised yet highly coordinated online movement that extends well beyond political circles.
Celebrities drawn into the fray
Nigerian artist Chellaboi recently found himself caught in the campaign’s crossfire after visiting Tanzania. His social media accounts were inundated with No Reforms, No Election comments, prompting him to release a video appealing for clarity.
“I don’t understand. I’m an artist, not a politician,” he said. “These comments are scaring me. I’ve seen so many saying No Reforms, No Election is there something I need to know?”
Ironically, his video only boosted the campaign’s visibility. Within 24 hours, it had attracted over 2,000 comments—most of them reiterating the same political demand, while others offered support for his music but still insisted: No Reforms, No Election.
Crackdown and moderation struggles
With digital platforms overwhelmed, several public figures and institutions have responded by disabling comment sections in an effort to contain the flood. Meanwhile, the campaign has continued to spread rapidly across platforms such as TikTok, complicating moderation efforts.
Political analyst Ramadhani Manyeko questioned the campaign’s spontaneity, suggesting it may be digitally engineered. “In a group of 100 people, it’s unlikely all would express themselves identically. There may be digital manipulation or even hacking involved,” he said, calling on the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) to strengthen its monitoring systems.
“This underlines the need for TCRA to enhance both digital literacy and enforcement. The movement seems crafted to fuel online dissent,” he added.
Chadema: The message has landed
Chadema, however, sees the campaign’s virality as a significant achievement. Speaking to Mwananchi, Chadema Vice Chairman (Mainland) John Heche said the movement proves that Tanzanians have internalised the party’s call for change.
“What’s happening online proves that people are aware and ready for change,” he said. “They want an electoral system that reflects the genuine will of the people. The current system is broken—votes are hijacked, results manipulated, and citizens denied their right to choose.”
Heche emphasised that No Reforms, No Election is not just a slogan, but a collective civic demand. “When citizens raise their voices this way, it signals deep frustration. Leaders must listen.”
The party continues to organise public rallies across various regions to sensitise the public on the need for reforms. However, these efforts have on occasion faced resistance, including arrests and police interference.
Government: “It’s pure nonsense”
Speaking to Mwananchi, Government Spokesperson Gerson Msigwa urged Tanzanians to ignore what he termed “unproductive campaigns” and instead focus on using digital platforms for learning and technological advancement.
“People must understand that misusing social media wastes financial resources, especially considering the cost of data,” he said.
“What’s happening on social media is nonsense—pure nonsense,” Msigwa added. “Tanzanians should focus on building their country. You can’t block an election when the official electoral calendar is already in place.”
What remains striking, however, is the level of participation from users who typically avoid political discourse, now openly promoting and sharing the same unified message No Reforms, No Election
