After a ban imposed by former president John Magafuli was lifted, the opposition Chadema party in Tanzania held its first significant public gathering.
The current president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, lifted the 2016 ban, raising hopes for more political freedom, and party members are eager to seize the chance.
A number of Magufuli’s most divisive policies have been overturned by Tanzania’s first female president, who has reached out to rivals and reopened media outlets that had been shut down.
The celebration commemorated the party’s political registration’s 30-year anniversary.
We will organize as many rallies as we can to reach all of the wards and villages in the nation, according to Sherifa Suleiman, acting chairperson of Chadema’s women’s wing.
Few police officers were present as supporters dressed in party attire in blue, red, and white and sang songs praising their leaders.
The chairman of Chadema, Freeman Mbowe, added as he addressed the crowd: “Despite expressing gratitude to the president for lifting the ban, a new Constitution is a necessity for our nation. In order to reach an agreement on this, the opposition and the ruling party need an impartial electoral commission.”
Recent developments are being cautiously welcomed by supporters as a step towards greater democracy in Tanzania.
President Hassan, who has been in office for 22 months, wants to depart from some of Magufuli’s stern guidelines.
