Tanzania’s leading opposition party, Chadema, has been disqualified from participating in the upcoming general elections scheduled for October, in a move sparking nationwide and international concern.
The decision was confirmed on Saturday by Ramadhani Kailima, director of elections at the Independent National Elections Commission, who said Chadema failed to sign a mandatory electoral code of conduct.
“Any party that did not sign the code of conduct will not participate in the general election,” Kailima stated. He further noted that the ban extends to all by-elections until 2030.
The announcement comes just two days after Chadema leader and former presidential candidate Tundu Lissu was charged with treason. Authorities accuse Lissu of urging the public to rebel and disrupt the electoral process—a charge that could carry the death penalty. Lissu was not allowed to enter a plea.
Chadema had earlier indicated it might boycott the elections unless sweeping reforms were made to address what it describes as a deeply biased electoral system that favours the ruling party, Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM).
Rights groups and opposition figures have accused President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration of intensifying a crackdown on dissent ahead of elections. Reports of abductions, arbitrary arrests, and unexplained killings have surfaced in recent months. The government denies these claims, asserting its commitment to human rights and launching investigations into the allegations.
As President Samia eyes a second term, the exclusion of her main rival raises questions over the credibility of Tanzania’s democratic processes.
