Chadema Barred from Elections: Implications for Tanzanian Democracy
Chadema, Tanzania’s leading opposition party, has been disqualified from the upcoming elections following its refusal to sign the electoral code of conduct. This decision, announced by the INEC, follows the arrest of party leader Tundu Lissu on treason charges. The ruling CCM party seems poised to strengthen its control as Chadema seeks legal avenues for electoral reform amidst claims of systemic manipulation and repression.
Chadema, the principal opposition party in Tanzania, has been disqualified from participating in the upcoming general election. This decision was made public by Ramadhani Kailima, the director of elections at the Independent National Elections Commission (INEC), after Chadema did not sign the required electoral code of conduct by the stipulated deadline. Failure to sign condemns the party to a five-year ban from any elections.
Kailima stated, “Any party that hasn’t signed today will not be allowed to take part in the general election or any other elections for the next five years.” Chadema had previously announced that its secretary-general, John Mnyika, would not attend the INEC meeting to sign the code, as it seeks reforms in the electoral process.
The situation escalated further when Chadema’s leader Tundu Lissu was arrested and charged with treason shortly after urging reforms at a rally. The Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), the ruling party in power since 1977, appears to benefit from these events that may consolidate its control ahead of the October elections. Chadema accused CCM of manipulating previous elections and announced plans to petition the high court for electoral reforms.
Lissu has voiced that Chadema would seek to “block the elections through confrontation” if electoral reforms are not implemented. Recent developments have led to heightened concerns about repression, as Chadema claims the government is silencing dissenting voices. One of Chadema’s lawyers, Rugemeleza Nshalla, remarked on the implications of Lissu’s arrest, indicating it aims to suppress the party’s outreach efforts regarding the alleged unfair electoral system.
Despite initial optimism surrounding President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s assumption of office in 2021 and her attempts to temper authoritarianism, recent actions have drawn criticism from rights advocates and international observers due to renewed crackdowns on opposition figures, including multiple arrests and alleged violence against dissenters.
The barring of Chadema from the upcoming elections illustrates the tightening grip of the ruling CCM party over Tanzanian politics. The disqualification echoes systemic issues within the electoral framework, exacerbated by recent arrests of opposition leaders. Calls for electoral reform remain unheeded, raising concerns about the country’s commitment to democratic processes and the potential for escalating tensions leading up to the elections.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
