Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, has called for a transitional government after a disputed national election that it says was neither free nor fair.
The party was barred from contesting the 29 October vote, which the ruling party won with more than 97%.
Opposition Says Election ‘Has No Legitimacy’
Chadema vice chair John Heche said the entire election should be declared invalid. He urged the United Nations and African regional bodies to help establish a transitional administration and organise a fresh, credible poll.
Heche said the vote “has no legitimacy” because it took place amid serious violations of the law and democratic norms. He also called for the dissolution of the national electoral commission.
Protests, Arrests and Internet Shutdown
The disputed result sparked days of unrest. Hundreds of people were killed during protests and more than 2,000 were arrested, according to rights groups.
Activists had planned further demonstrations this week, but police deployed heavily across major cities and several human rights organisations reported a wider crackdown.
Tanzania also shut down internet access on election day and kept it offline for 10 days.
The blackout drew strong criticism from civil society, which said it prevented citizens and observers from monitoring events.
Regional Observers Flag Irregularities
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) said the election fell short of democratic standards. Its observers reported irregularities, restricted access for political party agents and cases where voters were unable to cast their ballots.
Chadema chairperson Tundu Lissu has been in prison since April. He was arrested and charged with treason after calling for electoral reforms.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who won the election in a landslide, promised to unite the country during her inauguration. She blamed much of the post-election violence on “foreign interference”.