Tanzania officials banned the main opposition party Chadema from the October elections after it missed a Saturday deadline to sign a code of conduct. The decision came just days after police arrested Chadema leader Tundu Lissu on treason charges following a rally where he demanded election reforms. The ruling CCM party will likely keep power as it has since 1977.
Election commissioner Ramadhani Kailima said Chadema cannot join any elections through 2030. Chadema skipped the signing ceremony as part of its campaign for voting changes. Lissu was expected to run against President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who first took office in 2021 after John Magufuli died. Many praised Hassan early on for easing harsh policies from the previous administration.
Critics say the government has recently cracked down on political opponents through arrests and abductions, claims officials deny. The CCM has governed Tanzania for over 50 years. Lissu wanted changes to the election commission, arguing it should not include presidential appointees. He remains in custody until April 24 on charges his lawyer calls political. Lissu survived an assassination attempt in 2017 and lived in exile before returning in 2023.
Election commissioner Ramadhani Kailima said Chadema cannot join any elections through 2030. Chadema skipped the signing ceremony as part of its campaign for voting changes. Lissu was expected to run against President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who first took office in 2021 after John Magufuli died. Many praised Hassan early on for easing harsh policies from the previous administration.
Critics say the government has recently cracked down on political opponents through arrests and abductions, claims officials deny. The CCM has governed Tanzania for over 50 years. Lissu wanted changes to the election commission, arguing it should not include presidential appointees. He remains in custody until April 24 on charges his lawyer calls political. Lissu survived an assassination attempt in 2017 and lived in exile before returning in 2023.
