Tanzania opposition to protest mass 'disqualification' of their candidates

By Our Correspondent, DAR ES SALAAM Tanzania

Tanzania’s opposition leaders alleged foul play by President John Magufuli’s ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party in collaboration with National Election Commission (NEC) as tensions rise in the run up to the general election slated for October 28 this year.

The main opposition party (CHADEMA) and the ACT-Wazalendo (that has majority support in Zanzibar) said hundreds of their candidates were barred after objections filed by the ruling party and easily accepted by the NEC.

“Our parliamentary candidates and those of ACT-Wazalendo countrywide have been unlawfully disqualified,” Chadema Presidential candidate, Tundu Lissu said in his campaign rally. “There’s no credible democratic election without opposition candidates.”

He said following countrywide mass disqualifications of their parliamentary and civic candidates, he called for peaceful nationwide mass protests to demand immediate and unconditional reinstatement of all disqualified candidates.

Magufuli, who is seeking a second five-year term, has won plaudits for improving government efficiency, but faces growing criticism at home and abroad for cracking down on dissent. 

Nevertheless, analysts forecast he will secure a comfortable win if opposition parties do not unite behind one candidate.

Lissu, who launched his campaign Friday, is seen as Magufuli’s main challenger. 

He returned to Tanzania last month from self-imposed exile in Europe after surviving an assassination attempt  outside Parliament in 2017.

Seif Shariff Hamad, the ACT-Wazalendo presidential candidate in the semi-autonomous Indian Ocean archipelago of Zanzibar, told supporters to be prepared for mass action. 

“Enough is enough,” he said of party members being barred from the race.

Wilson Mahera Charles, the Director of the East African country’s National Electoral Commission said the opposition’s allegations would be investigated and pledged “free, fair and credible polls.”

In his statemen, he confirmed that 18 constituent seats has been won by ruling party candidates unopposed following mass disqualification of opposition candidates. - Africa