Tanzania’s national election commission has removed the main opposition party, Chadema, from the upcoming October elections.
The decision followed the party’s refusal to sign official code-of-conduct documents required for participation in the polls.
The announcement was made on Saturday, just two days after Chadema’s leader, Tundu Lissu, was charged with treason and other allegations linked to Tanzania’s cybercrime law. The timing of these events has raised concern among political watchers and supporters of democracy in the region.
Chadema has been a strong critic of the current government and has often challenged how elections are managed in the country. Party leaders argue that the election system lacks fairness and transparency, and they have voiced fears that legal steps are being used to silence opposition voices.
The ruling could have a major impact on the country’s political climate ahead of the elections. With Chadema out of the race, questions are being raised about the competitiveness of the vote and the space left for democratic choice.
While the government says the code-of-conduct rules are necessary to keep order during campaigns, critics say they are being used to block dissent. The developments have sparked concern both inside and outside Tanzania, as the country heads toward what may now be a one-sided election.