Name: Tanzania elections: Government accused of a crackdown on opposition
Uploaded: 2025-10-28T17:05:29.153Z
Duration: 2 min 31 s
Description: Tanzania’s upcoming general elections are overshadowed by allegations of voter suppression and human rights abuses. Opposition politicians, including Tundu Lissu, have been barred from running.

Tanzania’s upcoming general elections are overshadowed by allegations of voter suppression and human rights abuses. Opposition politicians, including Tundu Lissu, have been barred from running.

Dodoma

Tanzania's main opposition leaders have been barred from participating in the country's general elections, with some facing imprisonment and others reportedly in hiding. Human rights organizations and opposition figures allege a pattern of abductions, forced disappearances, and intimidation targeting government critics, while much of the press has been prevented from covering the polls.

The ruling CCM party, led by President Samir Saluhu Hassan, maintains it is committed to democratic principles and has promised major infrastructure projects and universal health insurance. Security forces have increased their presence nationwide, issued warnings to internet users, and shut down thousands of websites. The government denies allegations of rights abuses, stating its focus is on maintaining peace and order.

Tanzania elections: Government accused of a crackdown on opposition

President Samir Saluhu Hassan's main rivals have been barred from running in Wednesday's general elections in Tanzania. Tundulisu leads the largest opposition party called Chadema. He's been in jail since April on trial for treason. The supporters have not been welcome at court hearings. The party's deputy chairman, John Heche, was bundled into a police pick-up when he tried to attend last week. He hasn't been seen since. Much of the press has been barred from covering the polls and most Chadema party officials are in hiding. They were able to speak to one who's in a secret location. Since the 1st of October this year, there have been over 60 abductions and forced disappearances across the country and the number is growing. It's completely a sham. There's no election at all. President Samir's CCM party has ruled Tanzania for nearly half a century. She took office after President John Magufuli died four years ago. She's promising major infrastructure projects and universal health insurance and she doesn't want planned election day protests to get in the way. I want to assure the youth of Tanzania, do not be deceived into destroying your country's peace. Follow the government and the law and you will live in safety and peace and no one will disturb you. Amnesty International says in recent months government critics have been abducted, tortured and killed in what it describes as a wave of terror. The government says it doesn't tolerate rights abuses and it's committed to democratic governance. Security forces published this video ahead of the polls with messages promising peace. Police have warned internet users, although thousands of websites have already been shut down. Those who are using social media, those who are sending messages to instigate violence, there is no difference between you and somebody who has committed a crime and we have the mechanisms online. We can monitor everything that is sent or put out. Police and soldiers have been deployed all over the country. Opposition politicians say it's intimidation and that Tanzanians will not get to choose their next leader. Malcolm Webb, Al Jazeera.

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