Tundu Lissu party faces election ban ahead of Tanzania’s crucial general elections scheduled for October, following a series of political and legal events that have raised serious concerns about the state of democracy in the country.
The CHADEMA party, led by firebrand opposition leader Tundu Lissu, finds itself on the brink of exclusion from the electoral process after boycotting a mandatory ethics code signing event.
Tundu Lissu Party Faces Election Ban After Boycotting Legal Requirement
Tundu Lissu party faces election ban after refusing to participate in a national event where political parties were required to sign a code of ethics, a prerequisite to qualify for upcoming elections. According to Ramadhani Kailima, Director at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the failure to comply with this requirement means automatic disqualification.
“Any party that did not come today will not be given the opportunity tomorrow,” Kailima warned. “Therefore, if there is a party that has not submitted its declaration, it will not participate in this year’s 2025 elections or in any other by-election that may arise within the five-year period.”
The absence of CHADEMA from the event has sparked national debate as Tundu Lissu party faces election ban for standing against what they term an unfair and flawed electoral process.
Tundu Lissu Arrested and Charged With Treason
The crisis deepened last Thursday when Tundu Lissu was arrested and subsequently charged with treason. His arrest came just hours after a public rally in Mbinga, over 1,000 kilometers from Dar es Salaam, where he criticized the government and called for comprehensive electoral reforms.
Lissu, known for his sharp critiques of the ruling CCM party, was forcefully taken by police following his address. The charges against him allege incitement and attempts to destabilize the government—accusations CHADEMA supporters strongly reject.
Tundu Lissu Party Faces Election Ban Amid Calls for Electoral Reform
CHADEMA has long argued that Tanzania’s electoral system is tilted in favor of the ruling party. Lissu and his team have called for reforms including an independent electoral body, transparency in voter registration, and equal media access. In a statement released Saturday, CHADEMA said it cannot, in good conscience, participate in elections without “fundamental electoral reforms.”
As Tundu Lissu party faces election ban, CHADEMA insists its protest is a moral stance rather than a political miscalculation.
“We refuse to legitimize a flawed process designed to rubber-stamp CCM’s continued rule,” CHADEMA spokesperson John Mnyika said.
Government Denies Targeting Opposition
Despite widespread backlash, the Tanzanian government has denied using legal mechanisms to silence opposition voices. Officials argue that the law must be upheld and that CHADEMA made a conscious decision not to participate in the ethics code event.
“No one is above the law. If Tundu Lissu party faces election ban, it is because they chose to disregard electoral regulations,” said government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa.
However, human rights organizations are not convinced. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both raised red flags over what they describe as a crackdown on opposition voices. The treason charge against Lissu has further fueled speculation of state-led repression.
Tundu Lissu Party Faces Election Ban Despite Public Support
Public sentiment appears to favor CHADEMA, especially among the youth and urban populations. Many Tanzanians view the ban as a politically motivated move to eliminate competition. Protests have been reported in several towns, with demonstrators demanding Lissu’s release and CHADEMA’s reinstatement.
Analysts believe that the exclusion of a major opposition party could seriously undermine the legitimacy of the October elections. If Tundu Lissu party faces election ban, it would mark the most significant exclusion of a political force in Tanzania since the reintroduction of multiparty democracy.
Historical Context: Lissu’s Long Battle Against the State
This is not the first time Lissu has faced political persecution. In 2017, he narrowly survived an assassination attempt after being shot 16 times outside his home. Despite the trauma, he returned to the political stage stronger than ever, emerging as a key challenger in the 2020 presidential elections.
CHADEMA has consistently criticized laws that give undue advantage to CCM, which has held power since Tanzania’s independence in 1961. As Tundu Lissu party faces election ban, the episode is being seen as the culmination of years of state-sponsored resistance to political pluralism.
Tundu Lissu Party Faces Election Ban as Legal Options Narrow
Legal experts say CHADEMA has limited options. The law regarding the ethics code event is clear, and courts may find it difficult to overturn the electoral commission’s decision. Nevertheless, CHADEMA lawyers have vowed to challenge both the election ban and the treason charges in court.
“This is not just about CHADEMA. It’s about preserving democracy in Tanzania,” said lead attorney Fatma Karume.
