As Tanzania prepares for a presidential election on October 29th, a new report from Amnesty International alleges a severe intensification of political repression, casting a shadow over the electoral process where incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan is widely expected to win.
The election will determine if President Suluhu Hassan, chair of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, continues her leadership. The CCM, one of Africa’s longest-ruling parties, has maintained a firm grip on power since 1961. While Tanzania has seen regular elections, the nation has never experienced a peaceful transfer of power between different political parties.
In a recent address, President Suluhu Hassan urged citizens to participate actively in the democratic process. “Fellow citizens, I urge you to come out in large numbers to listen to the policies and plans of CCM so that you can make informed decisions when choosing candidates for the presidency, parliament and local councils,” she stated. “Our journey continues and our strength lies in our unity, our peace and our solidarity under the leadership of CCM.”
However, critics and international observers contend that hopes for a more open government have faded. Amnesty International this week reported that repression has “intensified,” citing a range of civilian abuses.
A spokesperson for Amnesty International detailed the accusations, stating that Tanzanian authorities are responsible for “arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and even extrajudicial killings.” The spokesperson placed the responsibility squarely on the nation’s leader, saying, “In cases of abduction, in cases of killing, in cases of any form of human rights violations, she is definitely aware and she can stop it. So we really know that the buck stops with her.”
The political crackdown has directly targeted key opposition figures. The main opposition candidate, Tundu Lissu, is currently facing treason charges, an offense that is non-bailable under Tanzanian law.
“We have Tundu Lissu in court in prison for a treason offense which is unbailable according to the Tanzanian laws. This is another presidential candidate in prison on an offense that he should really not be in prison,” the Amnesty International spokesperson asserted.
The landscape of the upcoming election has been further altered by the main opposition party, CHADEMA, which announced it would not participate without reforms to ensure fair polling. This position ultimately led to the party’s disqualification.
A political analyst noted the shifting dynamics, stating, “The opposition in Tanzania is growing stronger, something that they never envisaged. Considering that CCM is what we call an independent party that has been in the leadership for the longest, is it not accepting that really things are changing in the country?”
With rivals like Tundu Lissu imprisoned and CHADEMA disqualified, President Suluhu Hassan is now virtually unopposed. Political observers widely expect her to secure an easy victory in the October 29th election.