Tanzania’s Main Opposition Party Banned from Upcoming Elections

Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema has been officially barred from participating in the upcoming general elections in October 2025. The decision was announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); following the arrest and treason charges against the party’s leader, Tundu Lissu.

Tundu Lissu was arrested on April 10, after a rally where he called for electoral reforms and criticized the government’s handling of the electoral process. The charges of treason were filed on the grounds that Lissu’s speech incited violence and unrest.

The INEC’s director; Ramadhani Kailima, stated that Chadema had failed to sign a mandatory code of conduct document by the deadline set for all political parties. This failure, according to Kailima, disqualifies the party from participating in the upcoming elections and any by-elections until 2030.
Kailima said in a press conference, “Chadema did not sign the code of conduct document by the specified deadline, which is a requirement for all political parties. Therefore, they are disqualified from the 2025 general elections and any by-elections until 2030.”

The government of President Samia Suluhu Hassan has repeatedly denied accusations of political repression and maintains that the actions taken against Chadema are in line with the law. Speaking to the media, a government spokesperson emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order.

He said, “The actions taken against Mr. Lissu and Chadema are based on their violations of the law and the electoral code of conduct. We will continue to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.”

The CCM party is one of the longest-ruling parties in Africa. It has governed Tanzania since the country’s independence in 1961. With the main opposition party now out of the race, the ruling CCM party is highly likely to retain power.