Advocate Peter Madeleka, a prominent Tanzanian human rights lawyer and former member of Chadema, has joined the opposition party ACT Wazalendo. The controversies erupting from his newfound love with Act Wazalendo bear seismic repercussions to Chadema’s election motto: “No reform, No election.”
Madeleka’s carefully choreographed political moves aim to nail a parliamentary seat, and this article will make a major projection over his political future.
This article also offers an insightful analysis of his political circuses and criticism of Chadema’s election boycott:
Who is Peter Michael Madeleka?
Peter Michael Madeleka is a prominent Tanzanian human rights lawyer and political activist known for his outspoken criticism of government policies and advocacy for democratic reforms. Here’s an overview of his career and key activities:
Legal Career and Activism.
Madeleka has built a reputation as a fierce advocate for human rights and justice. He has been involved in high-profile legal challenges against the Tanzanian government, including a 2022 case filed at the East African Court of Justice (EACJ).
In this case (Reference No. 31 of 2022), he accused the Tanzanian government of violating the East African Community Treaty by detaining him for five days without bail, denying him access to legal counsel and family, and charging him under Section 6 of the Cybercrimes Act (2015) for allegedly publishing false information. This case underscores his commitment to freedom of expression and legal accountability.
Political Involvement.
Madeleka was formerly affiliated with Chadema, Tanzania’s leading opposition party, but later joined ACT Wazalendo, a left-leaning opposition party advocating for social democracy and constitutional reforms.
His defection aligns with ACT Wazalendo’s strategy to absorb disillusioned opposition members and push for incremental political changes. In 2025, he announced his intention to run for parliament under ACT Wazalendo, arguing that electoral participation is essential to challenge the ruling party (CCM) and advocate for reforms.
Criticism of Government Policies.
Madeleka has been a vocal critic of contentious government agreements, such as the Dubai DP World-Tanzania port deal. He collaborated with other activists, including Boniface Mwabukusi, to challenge the agreement in court and organize public opposition.
His activism led to legal repercussions: in July 2023, he was remanded after a court annulled a plea agreement in an unrelated case, reflecting the risks faced by government critics in Tanzania.
Advocacy for Electoral Reforms.
He has criticized Chadema’s boycott of the 2025 elections, arguing that participation is crucial to maintaining opposition visibility and pressuring the government for systemic reforms.
ACT Wazalendo’s decision to sign the 2025 election code of ethics—despite deep reservations—allowed the party to legally contest elections, a stance Madeleka supports as a pragmatic approach to democratic engagement and evolution.
Current Status and Legacy.
As of May 2025, Madeleka remains active in ACT Wazalendo’s efforts to challenge CCM’s dominance. His legal battles and political activism highlight his role as a key figure in Tanzania’s opposition movement, advocating for transparency, judicial independence, and electoral fairness. His work continues to inspire younger activists, though it has also drawn significant government scrutiny.
Will Madeleka Run for Parliament?
Yes, Madeleka has declared his intention to contest a parliamentary seat in the 2025 general elections under ACT Wazalendo. He emphasized his belief in the possibility of free and fair elections under the current framework, citing recent political reforms announced by the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM). He plans to run in one of Tanzania’s mainland constituencies, aiming to leverage his reputation as a human rights advocate to strengthen opposition representation.
Why He Criticizes Chadema’s Boycott?
Madeleka’s criticism of Chadema’s “No Reforms, No Election” posturing stems from several key arguments:
1. Ineffectiveness of Boycotts:
He views boycotts as counterproductive, arguing that they risk marginalizing opposition voices and ceding political space to CCM. Historically, boycotts (e.g., CUF’s 2015 Zanzibar boycott) led to diminished influence and funding for opposition parties, a lesson ACT Wazalendo seeks to avoid at all costs.
Act Wazalendo has a different poltical landscape to navigate in Pemba where it holds all the four aces unlike Chadema’s political contours in mainland are hotly contested with CCM well behind their heels.
2. Opportunity for Reforms Through Participation:
Madeleka asserts that participating in elections allows opposition parties to pressure the government for reforms while mobilizing public support. ACT Wazalendo’s strategy focuses on using campaigns to expose electoral flaws and advocate for systemic changes, contrasting with Chadema’s confrontational approach.
3. Legitimacy and Visibility:
By boycotting, Chadema risks losing its parliamentary seats, state subsidies, and public visibility. Madeleka emphasizes that ACT Wazalendo’s participation ensures continued opposition visibility and accountability, even in flawed elections.
He closes his contentious arguments by echoing Senegal’s opposition three stolen elections before electoral triumph. He believes the opposition is well advised to adopt those line of incrementalism.
4. Alignment with Democratic Principles:
He argues that electoral participation is a constitutional right and a civic duty, criticizing Chadema’s boycott as legally questionable and politically isolating. ACT Wazalendo’s leadership has framed their participation as a “struggle within the system” to stem democratic backsliding.
Political Context.
Chadema’s Disqualification:
Chadema was barred from the 2025 elections after refusing to sign the electoral code of conduct, a move ACT Wazalendo avoided by engaging with the process despite reservations. Madeleka’s defection reflects broader dissent within Chadema over its boycott strategy.
ACT Wazalendo’s Strategy:
The party positions itself as a pragmatic alternative, absorbing disillusioned Chadema members and advocating for incremental reforms. Madeleka’s move aligns with this approach, aiming to build a credible opposition bloc capable of challenging CCM’s dominance.
Key Takeaways.
Madeleka’s shift to ACT Wazalendo underscores a strategic divide within Tanzania’s opposition. His candidacy and critique of Chadema highlight the tension between electoral participation and principled boycotts in the pursuit of democratic reforms.
While ACT Wazalendo bets on incremental gains through engagement, Chadema’s gamble risks further marginalization in a political landscape dominated by CCM.
Now the big question: Will Madeleka win?
Yes, this article projects, Madeleka is on the march to Parliament since CCM past record indicates isn’t in the business to kill the opposition but to neutralize it. Both Act Wazalendo and CHAUMMA will be the beneficiaries of CCM marginalization of Chadema.
CCM will parlay Act Wazalendo and CHAUMMA electoral performances to showcase Tanzania’s democracy is alive and kicking. Madeleka and about 20 to 30 or so individuals will benefit as a result.
Read more analysis by Rutashubanyuma Nestory
