Tanzania’s Main Opposition Party CHADEMA Disqualified from 2025 Elections

Election Commission Bars CHADEMA Over Code of Conduct Violation

Tanzania’s main opposition party CHADEMA has been barred from participating in the upcoming 2025 elections, according to a senior election official. The disqualification comes just days after party leader Tundu Lissu was charged with treason for allegedly attempting to disrupt the electoral process.

Ramadhani Kailima, Director of Elections at the Independent National Elections Commission, stated that CHADEMA failed to meet the Saturday deadline for signing the mandatory code of conduct document. This failure automatically disqualifies the party from both presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for October.

“Any party that did not sign the code of conduct will not participate in the general election,” Kailima emphasized, noting that the ban extends to all by-elections until 2030.

Treason Charges and Political Tensions

The disqualification intensifies political tensions in Tanzania as President Samia Suluhu Hassan seeks re-election. Lissu, CHADEMA’s leader and former presidential candidate, faces serious treason charges filed on Thursday. Prosecutors allege he incited public rebellion to prevent the elections from occurring.

Human rights organizations and opposition groups have increasingly criticized Hassan’s administration for suppressing political dissent. They point to numerous cases of unexplained abductions and violence against opposition figures. While the government denies these allegations, it has initiated investigations into reported disappearances.

Opposition’s Reform Demands

CHADEMA had previously announced its refusal to participate in the code of conduct signing ceremony, part of its campaign for electoral reforms. The party maintains that Tanzania’s current electoral system unfairly advantages the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.

The treason charges against Lissu, which carry potential death penalties, have drawn international attention. The opposition leader was denied the opportunity to enter a plea during Thursday’s court proceedings.

As of publication, CHADEMA had not issued an official statement regarding its disqualification from the 2025 elections.