Tanzania’s main opposition party, CHADEMA, has been barred from participating in the upcoming general election after failing to sign a code of conduct document.
The party’s leader, Tundu Lissu, was recently arrested and charged with treason following a rally where he called for electoral reforms.
Ramadhani Kailima, director of elections at the Independent National Elections Commission, stated that any party not signing the code would not participate in the election, adding that CHADEMA would also be banned from by-elections until 2030.
Lissu’s arrest and the party’s ban are seen as part of a growing crackdown on opposition by President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government, despite initial hopes for reform after she took office in 2021.
CHADEMA had boycotted the code of conduct signing ceremony, demanding changes to the electoral commission and process.
The party’s slogan, “No Reforms, No Election,” highlights their concerns about the fairness of the election.
The ruling CCM party, in power since 1977, is expected to retain power given the opposition’s absence.
Lissu’s treason case has been adjourned until April 24, with his lawyer claiming the charges are politically motivated.
