What Tanzania’s Chaumma intends to do during its first 100 days in office

“Our Manifesto is aimed at guiding the Government to use the country’s resources for the benefit of all, recognising that while our society differs in surplus, we are equal in our basic needs,” it states.

New Constitution within 100 days

At the heart of Chaumma’s 100-day agenda is constitutional reform.

The party has pledged to table a bill in Parliament to revive the process of writing a new Constitution.

It proposes the creation of a Commission that will bring together political parties, religious institutions, civil society organisations, and community groups.

The aim is to deliver a people-centred Constitution that would eventually be put to a referendum.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission

Another major commitment is the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address historical and contemporary grievances.

According to the manifesto, the Commission would investigate land and property compensation disputes, unresolved killings, abductions and disappearances, arbitrary criminal or tax charges, including those tied to economic sabotage, and claims brought by business owners.

Tackling land and pastoralist conflicts

Chaumma also promises a Land Commission to deal with conflicts between citizens and conservation authorities managing wildlife and forestry.

It argues that such disputes have fuelled deadly clashes in communities bordering protected areas.

The Commission would also examine farmer–pastoralist conflicts that have persisted for decades without a sustainable solution.

Nutrition and food security

Nutrition is another priority. Chaumma intends to roll out a National Nutrition Strategy dubbed “Rice for All.”

The programme aims to guarantee access to nutritious food, beginning with children in early education, students in schools, and patients in public hospitals.

The strategy would be complemented by the scrapping of levies imposed on agriculture and livestock, which the party says reduce farmers’ incomes and weaken the food supply chain.

Chaumma argues that eliminating these burdens is essential to the success of its food and nutrition agenda.

Local government overhaul

On governance, Chaumma plans to overhaul the local government system, both structurally and financially.

Its proposal includes revising revenue collection arrangements between councils and the central government, granting councils greater autonomy to raise their own income without depending on Treasury subsidies.

In addition, councils deemed financially unsustainable would be merged, a move the party argues will ensure efficiency and accountability.

Artificial intelligence in education

Chaumma has also turned its attention to the role of technology in society.

It intends to legislate on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in schools and colleges.

The law, according to the manifesto, would encourage technological alignment with global changes without undermining creativity or critical thinking.

Importantly, it would ensure that AI serves human development, not as a punitive instrument against social media users.

The broader objective, Chaumma says, is to anchor its policies on economic growth, sustainable livelihoods, and poverty reduction.

Analysts’ views

Political analyst Gilbert Msoma welcomed Chaumma’s move to outline concrete priorities for its first 100 days but cast doubt on the feasibility of achieving far-reaching reforms in such a short period.

“Tanzania requires deep structural and systemic changes, and these cannot be implemented overnight,” he said.

 “All party manifestos contain good ideas because they reflect citizen needs. What matters is whether those elected put the people’s interests first rather than their own.”

He suggested that whichever party comes to power should not hesitate to borrow good proposals from other manifestos, arguing that development is a shared national goal.

“Development is a vital pillar for any nation, but citizens also need to be happy. Happiness indices show we are ranked low, so it is the responsibility of our leaders to build a joyful society,” he added.

For his part, commentator Buberwa Kaiza observed that Chaumma’s focus on legal and land reforms was particularly striking.

“Chaumma is a relatively new party, but this year it has presented itself differently by producing a manifesto that explains how it would govern based on principles of good governance and people power,” he said.

He stressed that Tanzanians expect leaders to listen and address their concerns.

However, he argued, those in power have too often acted against citizens’ interests, breeding hostility and mistrust.

“Let’s admit things are not right in this country. No matter how good a manifesto may be, without political will to change, nothing will improve. We need leaders who genuinely care about the lives of their people,” Kaiza said.

With its emphasis on accountability, people-centred governance, and systemic reforms, Chaumma’s first 100 days in office agenda presents a sharp contrast to traditional campaign promises.

Whether the electorate views these proposals as realistic or overly ambitious will become clearer as the October General Election draws nearer.