He may be in prison at the moment, but that hasn’t stopped the Tanzanian popular politician, Advocate Tundu Lissu from being elected into a top international position.
Lissu, who is the National Chairperson of Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendelo (CHADEMA) in Tanzania, has been elected as Vice Chairperson of the International Democracy Union (IDU).
The IDU is a global alliance of centre-right political parties, during a leadership election held in Brussels, Belgium.
According to reports from Brussels, that were confirmed through an official statement issued by the opposition party’s Director of Communications and Publicity, Brenda Rupia, Tundu Lissu is now an official Vice Chairperson of the International Democracy Union (IDU).
This comes after the Tanzanian Government prevented one of the CHADEMA party officials from attending the IDU conference in Brussels by arresting him at the airport and detaining the same for hours.
The party was however represented at the assembly by East Africa’s regional Vice Chairperson of the Democracy Union of Africa (DUA), Deogratias Munishi.
The IDU General Assembly also re-elected former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper to serve as Chairperson for another three-year term.
Lissu’s unanimous election to the International Democracy Union’s Vice Chairmanship is seen as a major recognition of his longstanding advocacy for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Tanzania. Delegates highlighted his courage and integrity, particularly his resilience in the face of political repression and a near-fatal assassination attempt.
According to the statement, Lissu’s global experience and determination to uphold democratic values positioned him as a key voice in the IDU’s mission to confront the erosion of democracy and the rise of authoritarianism—particularly in Africa.
IDU Delegates expressed confidence that his role will amplify democratic efforts across the continent, noting his ability to offer critical insight and leadership in addressing governance challenges, promoting transparency, and strengthening democratic institutions.
The IDU brings together political parties from around the world that support free-market policies, individual liberties, and democratic governance.