The leading Chadema opposition party has been brutally crushed. As a result, it has been disqualified from contesting in next month’s presidential and parliamentary elections in Tanzania. The disqualification of the party was announced by the Independent National Elections Commission (INEC). This penalty results from the party’s failure to sign a required electoral code of conduct by a prescribed deadline. This decision, unfortunately, applies to the next scheduled by-election to 2030.
Opposition party Chadema, led by Lissu, have been charged with sedition and waging a war of insurrection and other attempts at subverting the electoral process. On top of these accusations, Lissu himself has been charged with treason, adding to the party’s plight. President Samia Suluhu Hassan is preparing for her second term. At the same time, attacks are coming from all directions as Chadema and other critics ramp up their criticism.
Chadema has already declared its disqualification. Consequently, the party of president will boycott the forthcoming signing of the electoral code of conduct. The party has been clear in its position as one piece of a larger campaign moving to realize substantial electoral reforms in Tanzania. They had long threatened that they would not participate in elections unless such reforms were adopted.
Thus Chadema’s reluctance to sign the code of conduct turns out to be poisonous for their electoral fortunes. Ramadhani Kailima, the director of elections at INEC, emphasized the importance of compliance with the regulations, stating, “Any party that did not sign the code of conduct will not participate in the general election.” This directive shows the heavy-handedness that the commission has enacted. Political parties wanting to engage meaningfully in the electoral process need to be subject to these rules.
Chadema’s disqualification is another important moment in an already notable chapter of Tanzania’s political history. Tundu Lissu, a former presidential candidate, has consistently voiced strong criticisms against the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party and President Hassan’s administration. This political tension underscores some long-standing issues related to election fairness and transparency in Tanzania.
Chadema has called for a boycott of the elections. This decision is indicative of a growing frustration within opposition parties towards the electoral processes in the country. With political tensions already running high, this potential disqualification could prove far-reaching, with implications extending well beyond this single election cycle. It can shape future political interactions and reforms in Tanzania, too.
