Tanzania Bars Main Opposition Party from Upcoming Elections
As the general elections in Tanzania approach, the main opposition party has been prohibited from participating after refusing to endorse an electoral code of conduct, as announced by the country’s election authority.
Chadema, the main opposition party in Tanzania, has accused President Samia Suluhu Hassan of adopting oppressive measures similar to those used by her predecessor, John Magufuli. The party’s leader, Tundu Lissu, who was recently detained and charged with treason, had previously stated that Chadema would not partake in the elections without electoral reforms.
Despite the government’s efforts to engage opposition parties in signing the electoral code of conduct, Chadema decided to abstain from the process. This move was made due to the lack of response to the party’s demands for crucial electoral reforms.
INEC’s Director of Elections, Ramadhani Kailima, declared that any party failing to sign the code of conduct would be barred from participating in elections for the next five years. While not explicitly mentioning Chadema, the party has yet to respond to this announcement.
The upcoming elections in Tanzania, scheduled for October, include presidential and national assembly contests. President Hassan’s party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), secured significant victories in local elections last year.
Chadema has raised concerns about electoral manipulation in previous elections and intends to petition the high court for reforms before the upcoming polls. Lissu has warned of potential confrontations to impede the elections unless changes are made to the electoral system, demands that the ruling party has consistently disregarded.
Initially lauded for easing restrictions on the opposition and media imposed by Magufuli, Hassan’s administration has faced criticism from human rights organizations and Western governments for what is perceived as a resurgence of repression. The arrests of Chadema politicians and the abduction and murder of opposition members have raised alarm within the international community.
