The Chadema Victoria Zone chairman Ezekia Wenje. Photo: Courtesy
Chadema’s Victoria Zone Elections: Wenje Triumphs Amid Controversy
By Adonis Byemelwa
In a tumultuous electoral showdown on May 25th, 2024, the Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema) has crowned Ezekia Wenje as the new chairman of the Victoria Zone. However, the fervor of victory is dampened by the abrupt exit of Wenje’s chief adversary, John Pambalu, casting a shadow of intrigue over the proceedings.
The elections, which concluded late into the night, involved selecting the chairman, vice-chairman, and various council leaders within the party at the zone level. The chairman position, fiercely contested by Wenje and Pambalu, saw a dramatic twist when Pambalu withdrew at the last minute.
Announcing the election results, Patrick Ole Sosopi, a member of Chadema’s Central Committee, stated that out of the 72 votes cast, Wenje secured 59 while Pambalu received 13. As the voting progressed, Pambalu and six of his supporters exited the hall and did not return.
One participant, speaking anonymously, revealed that Pambalu had written a letter alleging electoral fraud and demanding a re-run. When contacted by Exponent Magazine for his reasons for leaving the hall, Pambalu declined to comment, stating it was not the right time.
“Thank you, but I cannot discuss why I left at this moment. This is an internal party matter, and I will speak when the time is right,” Pambalu said.
Another attendee claimed that Pambalu boycotted the election, deeming it unfair and requesting its postponement, hence his departure. “Pambalu was dissatisfied, believing something was amiss, so he wrote to the Secretary-General requesting a re-run,” said the attendee, also requesting anonymity.
Wenje’s chief adversary, John Pambalu. Photo: Courtesy
Reportedly, in the early hours of May 25, 2024, Pambalu and his supporters stormed the hotel where election supervisors and other delegates were staying, causing a commotion and accusing them of accepting bribes from Wenje. They also alleged that Wenje had transported voters from various constituencies such as Buchosa, Geita, and Mwanza, which they claimed was inappropriate.
Responding to the accusations, Wenje dismissed them as typical post-election grievances. “It’s common for people who lose elections to find reasons. If Pambalu believes there were instances of bribery, he should provide evidence,” Wenje said.
He added that the party allows candidates to appeal at two stages: during the candidate selection process and after the election results are declared if they are dissatisfied.
Chadema’s Director of Protocol, Communications, and Foreign Affairs, John Mrema, stated that the party has clear procedures for handling grievances. “If Pambalu has complaints, he knows the proper channels to follow, as outlined in our constitution,” Mrema said, noting he had not received any official complaint from Pambalu.
The elections have highlighted internal tensions within Chadema, as Wenje’s victory is overshadowed by allegations and the abrupt withdrawal of his main competitor. This incident underscores broader issues within Tanzania’s opposition parties, where intraparty democracy is frequently put to the test.
Allegations of electoral misconduct, internal strife, and the handling of dissent are common challenges. For Chadema, a party striving to present itself as a viable alternative to the ruling party, maintaining transparency and fairness in its internal processes is crucial. The outcome of this election and the subsequent handling of grievances will serve as a litmus test for Chadema’s commitment to democratic principles within its ranks.
