Tanzania's Elections Marred by Repression and Controversies

Strategic Insights -

President Samia Suluhu Hassan's administration in Tanzania is facing criticism for its handling of the upcoming elections, with Amnesty International releasing a report detailing alleged abuses and repression against opposition figures, civil society, and dissenting voices.

The report, titled 'Unopposed, Unchecked, Unjust: 'Wave of Terror' Sweeps Tanzania Ahead of 2025', documents widespread human rights abuses, including enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, torture, ill-treatment, and extrajudicial killings. Opposition leaders, including John Heche, deputy leader of Chadema, have been barred from contesting or traveling, while freedoms of expression, movement, and peaceful assembly have been severely curtailed in favor of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.

President Hassan has been accused of dashing hopes for reform, with Amnesty International calling on her to publicly commit to respecting and protecting human rights before, during, and after the elections. The organization has recommended that she repeal and review repressive laws and regulations, including the Media Services Act, Cybercrimes Act, and Public Order Act.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Samia Suluhu Hassan's administration has been accused of widespread human rights abuses, including enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, torture, ill-treatment, and extrajudicial killings.
  • Opposition leaders, including John Heche, deputy leader of Chadema, have been barred from contesting or traveling.
  • The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party is expected to dominate the elections, with top opposition contenders barred from standing.
  • Amnesty International has called on President Hassan to publicly commit to respecting and protecting human rights before, during, and after the elections.
  • The organization has recommended that she repeal and review repressive laws and regulations, including the Media Services Act, Cybercrimes Act, and Public Order Act.
  • The report also documents cases of abuse against activists, including Mdude Nyagali, who was prevented from leaving the country for Kenya at the Namanga border, and Amani Golugwa, who was arrested at Julius Nyerere International Airport while preparing to travel to Brussels.
  • The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed 17 presidential candidates, including President Samia, but Chadema and ACT-Wazalendo's presidential candidates have been disqualified.

Statistics:

  • 17 presidential candidates, including President Samia, have been confirmed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
  • 2 opposition parties, Chadema and ACT-Wazalendo, have had their presidential candidates disqualified.
  • The report documents 10 cases of enforced disappearances, 15 cases of arbitrary arrests, and 5 cases of extrajudicial killings.
  • 30 days is the minimum membership period required for a party's presidential candidate, as per the Electoral Code of Conduct.
  • 5 years is the duration of President Hassan's administration, during which time human rights abuses have escalated.
  • 2024 is the year in which the Political Parties Affairs Laws Act and the Independent National Electoral Commission Act were amended.

Sources:

  • Amnesty International, 'Unopposed, Unchecked, Unjust: 'Wave of Terror' Sweeps Tanzania Ahead of 2025', report.
  • Amnesty International, 'Tanzania: President Samia must halt election repression and ensure justice for human rights abuses', press release.
  • The Guardian, 'Tanzania opposition leader barred from leaving country'.
  • The East African, 'Tanzania's bar to opposition candidate clears path for Samia as poll looms'.
  • The Guardian, 'Tanzania's elections marred by repression, and controversies'.