Tanzania’s Main Opposition Party Barred From Elections Following Leader’s Treason Charges

Chadema Disqualified for Failing to Sign Electoral Code of Conduct

DODOMA, Tanzania – Tanzania’s primary opposition party, Chadema, has been officially excluded from participating in this year’s elections, just days after its leader, Tundu Lissu, faced treason charges.

Ramadhani Kailima, Director of Elections at the Independent National Elections Commission, confirmed the disqualification on Saturday, stating Chadema failed to meet the deadline for signing a mandatory code of conduct document.

Political Crisis Deepens

The electoral ban comes after Lissu’s arrest last week following a rally in southern Tanzania where he demanded electoral reforms. Authorities allege his statements amounted to treason.

“Any party that did not sign the code of conduct will not participate in the general election,” Kailima declared, adding that Chadema would also be barred from by-elections until 2030.

Opposition’s Reform Demands

Chadema had previously announced its boycott of the signing ceremony, part of its “No Reforms, No Election” campaign. Lissu has consistently argued that Tanzania’s electoral system requires fundamental changes to ensure fairness.

The party specifically objects to the composition of the electoral commission, which includes presidential appointees, and has called for an independent body to oversee elections.

Political Landscape Shifts

The development significantly strengthens the position of the ruling CCM party (Chama Cha Mapinduzi), which has governed Tanzania since 1977. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who took office in 2021 following John Magufuli’s death, now faces reduced opposition in the upcoming elections.

While initially praised for relaxing some authoritarian policies, Hassan’s government has recently faced accusations of intensifying crackdowns on political opponents, including alleged arrests and abductions – claims the government denies.

Lissu’s Troubled Political Journey

The opposition leader’s current legal troubles represent the latest chapter in a turbulent political career. In 2017, Lissu survived an assassination attempt where his vehicle was shot 16 times. After periods of exile, he returned to challenge Magufuli in 2020 before leaving again citing electoral irregularities.

His lawyer maintains the treason charges are politically motivated, stating: “You cannot separate these charges from politics.” The case has been adjourned until April 24 while Lissu remains in custody.

The electoral commission’s decision effectively removes the most significant opposition to CCM’s continued rule, raising concerns among democracy advocates about the future of political pluralism in Tanzania.