Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, has been banned from the upcoming elections after failing to sign a necessary code of conduct. This decision follows treason charges against its leader, Tundu Lissu. The ruling CCM party is expected to benefit from this situation, as Lissu has been vocal about the need for electoral reforms.
Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, has been disqualified from participating in the upcoming elections after failing to sign a required code of conduct. Ramadhani Kailima, director of elections at the Independent National Elections Commission, announced that this disqualification occurred just days after the party’s leader, Tundu Lissu, was charged with treason related to recent calls for electoral reforms. This situation is expected to enhance the ruling CCM party’s prospects, which has maintained power for nearly six decades.
The Independent National Elections Commission specified that any party not signing the code of conduct, which was due on Saturday, would be barred from the general election. Consequently, Chadema will also be excluded from any by-elections until the year 2030. Chadema previously indicated its intent to boycott the signing ceremony, aligning with its push for electoral reforms in Tanzania.
The elections will see a contest, where Lissu was poised to challenge President Samia Suluhu Hassan. After assuming the presidency in 2021 following John Magufuli’s passing, Hassan initially garnered admiration for reversing authoritarian measures; however, critics have since alleged a growing crackdown on political dissent, prompting arrests and the abduction of opposition figures, claims that the government has denied while launching investigations.
CCM, one of Africa’s longest-serving political parties, has held power since 1977. Lissu has strongly argued against the current electoral framework, asserting that genuine elections cannot occur without structural reforms within the electoral commission, particularly concerning appointments by President Hassan. Authorities accuse Lissu of attempting to incite rebellion and disrupt the electoral process.
Currently remanded in custody, Lissu’s treason trial is set to resume on April 24. His attorney, Rugemeleza Nshala, insists that the charges are politically motivated, stating, “You cannot separate these charges from politics.” Lissu has faced multiple arrests and survived an assassination attempt in 2017. After a period of exile, he returned to contest the 2020 elections but left in protest over alleged irregularities; he made his return again in 2023, following promised reforms by President Hassan’s administration.
In summary, Chadema’s disqualification from Tanzania’s upcoming elections represents a significant setback for the opposition party and highlights ongoing tensions in the country’s political landscape. The government’s actions, including charges against Tundu Lissu and the exclusion of Chadema from the electoral process, have raised concerns about the integrity of political freedoms in Tanzania. As the ruling CCM party stakes its continued dominance, the situation remains critical for the future of democratic practices in the nation.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
