Tanzania’s Main Opposition Party Excluded from Elections Amid Political Tensions

Chadema, Tanzania’s main opposition party, has been barred from the upcoming elections after failing to sign a code of conduct necessary for participation. This follows the treason charges against its leader Tundu Lissu, escalating concerns about political repression under President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The situation raises critical questions about electoral integrity and the rights of opposition parties in Tanzania.

Tanzania’s primary opposition party, Chadema, has been prohibited from contesting in the upcoming elections following its failure to sign a mandatory code of conduct document by the specified deadline. This decision comes shortly after Chadema’s leader, Tundu Lissu, was arrested and charged with treason for his calls for electoral reforms during a recent rally in southern Tanzania. The ruling party, CCM, stands to gain from this disqualification, enhancing its chances of maintaining power since it has been in office for nearly six decades.

Ramadhani Kailima, the director of elections at the Independent National Elections Commission, emphasized that any party that did not adhere to the code of conduct would be disqualified from participating in the elections, which are scheduled for October. Chadema is additionally prohibited from engaging in any by-elections until 2030. This decision follows Chadema’s announcement that it would boycott the code signing ceremony in its pursuit of the electoral reform agenda.

The impending elections encompass both parliamentary and presidential races, in which Lissu was anticipated to challenge the incumbent president, Samia Suluhu Hassan. Upon assuming office in 2021 following John Magufuli’s death, Hassan was initially commended for easing some authoritarian practices. However, her government has faced backlash from campaigners and opposition groups, who accuse it of intensifying crackdowns against political dissent, an assertion the government has refuted while launching inquiries into reports of abductions.

Historically, the CCM party, or Chama Cha Mapinduzi, has been one of the longest-standing political parties in Africa, governing Tanzania since 1977. Lissu, campaigning under the banner “No Reforms, No Election,” argues that genuine democratic elections cannot occur without reforming the electoral commission to remove members directly appointed by Hassan. Authorities have alleged that Lissu’s actions are aimed at inciting unrest.

Currently detained and awaiting a treason hearing scheduled for April 24, Lissu’s legal counsel, Rugemeleza Nshala, contends that the charges against him are politically motivated, asserting that they are inextricably linked to the political climate. Lissu’s history of political persecution includes numerous arrests and a previous assassination attempt in 2017. Although he went into exile and returned briefly for the 2020 elections, he departed again amid claims of electoral fraud. Lisu returned in 2023, encouraged by the governance changes enacted by Samia’s administration, which were presented as measures to foster greater opposition liberties.

In summary, the disqualification of Chadema from the upcoming elections marks a significant development in Tanzania’s political landscape, potentially favoring the incumbent CCM party. The situation highlights ongoing tensions regarding political freedoms and electoral integrity in the country, especially following the incarceration of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. His calls for electoral reforms and the government’s response to dissent underscore serious concerns regarding democratic practices in Tanzania. As the election date approaches, these developments will undoubtedly shape the political discourse moving forward.

Original Source: www.bbc.com