Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, has been disqualified from participating in the upcoming elections following the failure to sign a mandatory code of conduct. The announcement was made by Ramadhani Kailima, director of elections at the Independent National Elections Commission, highlighting that the deadline was not met. This development comes shortly after Chadema's leader, Tundu Lissu, was arrested for treason during a rally where he called for significant electoral reforms.
This electoral disqualification is seen as a significant boost for the ruling party, CCM (Chama Cha Mapinduzi), which has held power for nearly sixty years. Kailima stated that any party that did not comply with the code of conduct requirements would be barred from the elections and any by-elections until 2030.
Lissu's recent arrest and treason charges, which his supporters argue are politically motivated, arose during a demonstration in southern Tanzania advocating for changes to current voting practices. With Lissu poised to challenge incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the situation creates a tense political atmosphere.
Since taking office in 2021, Hassan, who succeeded the late John Magufuli, has faced criticism from opposition leaders who claim her administration has tightened its grip on political dissent, despite initial hopes of reform. The ongoing detentions and hostilities against opposition members have intensified accusations of a political crackdown.
Lissu, a vocal advocate for electoral integrity, stated under the rallying cry, "No Reforms, No Election," that fair elections in Tanzania are unlikely without significant changes to the electoral commission's structure, which is currently seen as influenced by the ruling party. Facing multiple arrests in the past, Lissu's history of opposition has included an assassination attempt and a series of exiles, which underline the dangerous environment for dissenters in Tanzanian politics.
His treason hearing has been postponed until April 24, as scrutiny of the political landscape continues against a backdrop of historic electoral challenges in Tanzania.
