Tanzania’s main opposition party, CHADEMA, has been barred from participating in the upcoming October 2025 general elections due to its failure to sign a mandatory code of conduct by the specified deadline, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (NEC).
The disqualification extends to all by-elections until 2030. This decision follows the recent treason charges against CHADEMA leader Tundu Lissu, who was accused of inciting rebellion to disrupt the elections.
Human rights groups have criticized President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration for alleged crackdowns on dissent, including arrests and disappearances of opposition figures, though the government denies these allegations.
CHADEMA has maintained that it will not participate in the elections without substantial electoral reforms to ensure fairness. The party’s stance has led to tensions with the government, which insists that the elections will proceed as scheduled.