Tanzania main opposition party, Chadema, has condemned its disqualification from the upcoming national elections as unconstitutional, escalating tensions just months before the country’s October vote.
The announcement comes only a week after party leader Tundu Lissu was detained and charged with treason — a move that has drawn international criticism. Amnesty International has called for Lissu’s immediate and unconditional release, denouncing the charge as part of a broader campaign to silence dissent.
In comments to AFP on Tuesday, Chadema leaders accused President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government of reviving the repressive tactics of her predecessor, the late John Magufuli.
Party says disqualification violates constitution
Chadema’s chief legal adviser, Rugemeleza Nshala, argued that the decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to bar the party from participating in the elections is unlawful.
‘It is our argument that the actions taken by the Independent National Electoral Commission contravene the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania,’ Nshala said.
He added that the electoral commission’s move, prompted by Chadema’s refusal to sign an electoral code of conduct, undermines the democratic process and could provide legal grounds to challenge the validity of the upcoming vote.
Critics warn of political manipulation
The disqualification was announced over the weekend after Chadema declined to endorse the electoral code, calling it a tool used to suppress opposition voices.
Robert Amsterdam, the party’s international counsel, told AFP that agreeing to the code would have meant endorsing a ‘deeply unfair electoral process’.
‘It will make a farce of the entire process,’ Amsterdam said, accusing the government of using legal instruments to ensure the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party stays in power.
Rights groups raise alarm as repression grows
Chadema has long demanded electoral reforms and warned it would boycott any election held under the current system. The party previously alleged manipulation in last year’s local polls, which CCM won by a landslide.
Tundu Lissu has consistently warned of ‘blocking elections through confrontation’ if the system remained unchanged — a stance that now appears to have cost his party its place on the ballot.
Human rights groups and some Western governments, once hopeful about President Hassan’s reformist tone, are now expressing concern over what they see as a return to state-led repression.
Fulgence Massawe, director of a legal rights NGO in Tanzania, told AFP that electoral codes have previously been used to sideline strong opposition candidates, including Lissu in 2020.
‘They have seen how this code of conduct is used against the opposition, especially the strong candidates,’ Massawe said.
Amnesty slams ‘campaign of repression’
Amnesty International has condemned the developments, citing a ‘campaign of repression’ that includes arrests, abductions, and even killings of opposition figures.
While President Hassan was initially praised for easing restrictions on opposition and media, critics say recent events point to a chilling return to authoritarian tactics.
With Chadema vowing to challenge the disqualification in court, the October elections are now under a cloud of legitimacy, with growing fears of instability if inclusive democratic participation is not restored.
