Tanzania’s upcoming election has sparked concerns about the country’s democratic trajectory, with a leading opposition figure facing treason charges and the ruling party tightening its grip on power. According to a report by Africa.com, the arrest of Tundu Lissu, a major opposition leader, and the ban on his party, Chadema, from participating in elections until 2030, have raised questions about the credibility of the October polls.
The situation in Tanzania has taken a concerning turn, with the country seeing a spike in abductions and arrests, as well as crackdowns on the media. Africa.com reports that the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party appears to be intolerant of any threat to its power, with the opposition leader’s platform focused on demanding reforms to electoral processes and the Tanzanian constitution.
In a stark contrast to the CCM’s authoritarian tendencies, US Vice President Kamala Harris visited Tanzania in March 2023, where she was warmly received by President Samia Suluhu Hassan. During her visit, President Samia described the United States as “an important partner in our pursuit for democracy and good governance.” Vice President Harris praised President Samia, calling her “a champion of democratic reforms.” However, Africa.com notes that the current situation in Tanzania suggests that the country’s democratic progress may be reversing.
The international community’s response to Tanzania’s democratic decline has been muted. The US has shut down several democracy-promoting institutions, including the National Endowment for Democracy, the International Republican Institute, and the National Democratic Institute. Africa.com cites the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) as noting that China has long supported CCM dominance, while India has shown no signs of championing democratic values abroad. The African Union and its member states have also failed to hold Tanzania accountable for its democratic shortcomings, despite African populations consistently expressing a desire for democratic governance.
The implications of Tanzania’s election are far-reaching, with Africa.com warning that a foregone, engineered conclusion to the election will only deepen cynicism about democracy. As the article notes, “if the rules can be tossed aside or manipulated to protect the regime, they are not rules at all—they are whims.” The consequences of Tanzania’s democratic decline will be felt not only within the country but also across the African continent.
In conclusion, Tanzania’s upcoming election has raised serious concerns about the country’s commitment to democracy. As Africa.com reports, the international community’s response to these developments has been inadequate, with many countries and institutions failing to hold Tanzania accountable for its democratic shortcomings. The article concludes that “African populations, including Tanzanians, have consistently expressed a desire for democratic governance. They also regularly voice frustration with ‘elections’ that do not meaningfully allow citizens to hold political elites accountable. No one seems to be listening.”
As the situation in Tanzania continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the international community will take a stronger stance in support of democracy. For now, the country’s democratic trajectory appears to be in jeopardy, with Africa.com providing a detailed analysis of the developments and their implications for Tanzania and the wider African continent.
According to Africa.com, citing the source material from CFR, “African populations, including Tanzanians, have consistently expressed a desire for democratic governance.”
