Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, is advocating for a transitional government following the contentious October 29 election, where the ruling party allegedly secured over 97% of the vote amid accusations of widespread irregularities. Chadema’s vice chair, John Heche, labeled the election invalid, calling for new elections supervised by the United Nations and African organizations. The election triggered days of protests, resulting in hundreds of deaths and over 2,000 arrests, met with a heavy police crackdown and heightened security in major cities.
International observers, including the Southern African Development Community, criticized the electoral process for irregularities and voter suppression, exacerbated by a 10-day internet blackout starting on election day. Chadema’s Chairperson, Tundu Lissu, remains imprisoned on treason charges linked to his advocacy for electoral reforms. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, while pledging unity at her inauguration, attributed the unrest to foreign interference.
In anticipation of further protests, Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba urged citizens to stay home, citing safety concerns, and the government has canceled official Independence Day celebrations, warning that any unpermitted demonstrations would be deemed illegal. The United Nations has urged authorities to avoid violence and de-escalate tensions, while a government-appointed commission investigates the unrest, though no report has been released yet.
The European Union and the United States have expressed serious concerns regarding the election’s integrity and human rights violations, urging Tanzanian authorities to engage in dialogue and exercise restraint to protect lives. The situation remains fraught, with ongoing demands for a transitional government and calls for international oversight to ensure future electoral fairness.
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