Tanzania’s upcoming October elections have been overshadowed by a treason charge against Chadema leader Tundu Lissu and the exclusion of the main opposition party from participating. The Independent National Elections Commission has barred Chadema from contesting the presidential and parliamentary elections after they failed to sign a mandatory code of conduct agreement. This decision extends to all by-elections until 2030. Chadema had previously warned of boycotting the polls unless electoral reforms were introduced and confirmed their non-attendance at the signing ceremony for the code of conduct.
Lissu, who faces a death sentence if convicted of treason, has been accused of inciting rebellion and trying to disrupt the elections. His party’s disqualification and his treason case have sparked concerns about the state of democracy in Tanzania. Human rights organizations and opposition groups have accused the government of stifling dissent through unexplained abductions and killings of political activists. President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government has denied any involvement in these alleged abuses and maintains its commitment to upholding human rights.
The ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, led by President Hassan, has refuted claims of undermining the opposition or manipulating the electoral process. The exclusion of Chadema and the treason charge against Lissu have raised questions about the fairness and transparency of the electoral process in Tanzania. The upcoming elections will now proceed without the main opposition party, prompting concerns about the legitimacy and inclusivity of the democratic process in the East African nation.
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