Tanzania's ruling party dominates local elections amid claims of violence

Tanzania, a country known for its political stability, has recently conducted local elections that have raised concerns about the integrity of its democratic process. The ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), achieved a staggering victory by winning over 98 percent of the seats available in this crucial election. This event took place on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, and the official results were announced the following Thursday. The elections were seen as a significant test for the CCM and President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who assumed office after the unexpected death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, in 2021. However, the elections were marred by claims of irregularities, including accusations of vote rigging, violence, and the suppression of opposition candidates. The main opposition party, Chadema, reported that three of its members were killed in incidents related to the electoral process. In the past, the opposition has boycotted elections, citing intimidation and violence, which had historically facilitated a CCM sweep. This year, despite their grievances over candidate disqualifications, Chadema chose to participate, but the aftermath has sparked retorts of further repression. International observers and human rights advocates voiced their concern regarding the situation, which some view as a reversion to authoritarian practices that characterized Magufuli's rule. Under Hassan's administration, there were initial hopes of political liberalization, as she ended some restrictions on opposition and media. However, leading up to these elections, there seems to have been a resurgence of such oppressive tactics, which has led to the arrests and even the abduction of opposition members. The situation in Tanzania has not gone unnoticed by religious leaders, with the Catholic Church condemning the violence and calling attention to the suffering experienced by citizens. Archbishop Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi expressed his distress, highlighting the pressing need for those in power to address the violence. This reflects a broader concern regarding the future of democracy in Tanzania as it heads toward presidential elections set for October 2025, during which the political climate remains fraught with tension and mistrust between the ruling party and opposition factions.