Tanzania’s political landscape has experienced significant upheaval ahead of the October 2025 general elections. The main opposition party, CHADEMA, has been disqualified from participating in the elections after refusing to sign a mandatory electoral code of conduct by the stipulated deadline. This decision, announced by Ramadhani Kailima of the Independent National Elections Commission, also bars CHADEMA from any by-elections until 2030
The disqualification follows the arrest of CHADEMA’s leader, Tundu Lissu, who was charged with treason after calling for electoral reforms during a rally in Mbinga. Authorities accused him of inciting rebellion and attempting to disrupt the electoral process Reuters. Lissu, who survived an assassination attempt in 2017, has been a vocal critic of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party and has previously called for comprehensive electoral reforms.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have expressed concerns over the Tanzanian government’s actions, citing a pattern of arbitrary arrests, detentions, and suppression of political opposition. These developments have raised questions about the fairness and transparency of the upcoming elections and the overall state of democracy in Tanzania
