Tanzania Opposition Barred from Election After Leader Charged with Treason

Ollus Ndhomu 7 months ago 2 min read

By Ollus Ndomu

Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, has been barred from participating in the country’s upcoming general elections, just days after its leader, Tundu Lissu, was arrested and charged with treason, authorities confirmed Saturday.

Ramadhani Kailima, Director of Elections at the Independent National Elections Commission (INEC), said Chadema had failed to sign a mandatory code of conduct by the Saturday deadline, disqualifying the party from the October polls.

“Any party that did not sign the code of conduct will not participate in the general election,” Kailima said at a press briefing. He added that Chadema would also be barred from contesting any by-elections until 2030.

Chadema had earlier announced its refusal to sign the document, calling it a “sham process” amid its broader campaign for electoral reforms under the slogan “No Reforms, No Election.” The party is demanding changes to the electoral commission, which it says is dominated by presidential appointees, undermining its neutrality.

The development comes just a week after Lissu was arrested following a rally in southern Tanzania, where he demanded reforms to ensure free and fair elections. He was charged with treason and accused of attempting to incite rebellion. Authorities say he will remain in custody until at least April 24, when his case resumes.

Lissu, a longtime government critic who survived an assassination attempt in 2017, had returned from exile in 2023 amid government claims of political opening. He had been expected to challenge incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan in the upcoming presidential vote.

Although President Hassan was initially hailed for softening the authoritarian stance of her predecessor, the late John Magufuli, opposition parties and civil society groups say her government is increasingly cracking down on dissent. They cite a wave of arrests, including Lissu’s, and alleged abductions of opposition members. The government has denied these allegations and said it is investigating the reported disappearances.

The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which has governed since 1977, is now widely expected to tighten its grip on power with Chadema out of the race.