- Chadema has been disqualified from all general and by-elections until 2030.
- The electoral body says the party failed to sign a required code of conduct.
- The announcement follows treason charges against Chadema leader Tundu Lissu.
- Lissu is accused of calling for rebellion and disrupting electoral peace.
Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, has been officially barred from taking part in all elections—including by-elections—until 2030.
The announcement was made on Saturday by Ramadhani Kailima, the Director of Elections at the Independent National Elections Commission.
“Any party that failed to sign the electoral code of conduct will not participate,” Kailima declared.
This means Chadema will miss the 2025 general election and all political contests in between.
Tundu Lissu Slapped With Treason Charges
The shock decision came just 48 hours after Chadema’s top leader and former presidential candidate Tundu Lissu was charged with treason.
Authorities claim Lissu incited citizens to rebel and disrupt the upcoming elections—serious accusations that carry the possibility of a death sentence. He was denied the opportunity to enter a plea.
Boycott Talk, Biased System Allegations
Before the ban, Chadema had already hinted at skipping the elections unless major changes were made to the electoral system, which they say unfairly favours the ruling party, CCM.
The opposition insists the system is designed to maintain one-party dominance under the guise of democracy.
Crackdown Claims Intensify
Rights watchdogs and political observers are now raising alarm, accusing President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s regime of stifling opposition voices ahead of her expected re-election campaign.
There have been disturbing reports of enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and suspicious killings in recent months.
While the government has denied the allegations, it says investigations are ongoing.
Democracy Under Scrutiny
As President Samia prepares to seek a second term, the sidelining of her main political challenger raises serious doubts about the transparency and fairness of Tanzania’s elections.
The exclusion of Chadema is likely to draw criticism from both local and international observers concerned about the shrinking democratic space in the East African nation.
