Tanzania Electoral Commission suspended main opposition presidential candidate's campaigns for a week

By Our Staff Reporter, DAR ES SALAAM Tanzania

The Tanzanian National Electoral Commission (NEC) has finally suspended campaigns of the main opposition Presidential candidate, Tundu Lissu, for seven days for violation of electoral ethics and codes of conduct.

The vocal politician claimed that his party was being intimidated after all efforts to sabotage his campaigns failed, including that of denying him use of a helicopter.

Tanzania will hold its highly anticipated elections on October 28 this year to elect union President, President of Zanzibar, Members of Parliament and ward councillors.

President John Magufuli, who seeks re-election on the ticket of the long ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi is facing strong opposition from prominent lawyer and former Member of Parliament, Tundu Lissu of CHADEMA.

Tanzania authorities have stepped up repression of opposition parties, nongovernmental organizations, and the media ahead of the country’s general elections on October 28, 2020.

In a statement issued by a committee calling itself National Ethical Committee under NEC and signed by its Secretary, Emmanuel Kawishe, stated that the seven-day suspension starts from October 3.

It stated that two political parties; ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi and NRA submitted claims against Lissu.

The committee claimed that the candidate made inflammatory statements that could endanger the country’s peace and security.

It alleged that while in Geita region, he incited the citizens against the government and that while in Musoma town he gave baseless information claiming that president Magufuli had convened a meeting of country-wide returning officer to rig the election.

Kawishe further stated that NEC summoned the candidate to appear before the committee or present his defence but he defied and they went ahead to impose the ban.

Lissu having light time with his supporters

Early this week, Lissu said that he couldn't respond to a summons sent through social media or television. "Election is a legal process, all events should also follow legal path; how can someone summon me through twitter?" he queried.

the Director of National Electoral Commission, Charles Mahela was quoted telling stakeholders in Arusha that they shouldn’t be surprised to see candidates and supporters teargassed by law enforcers.

A day later, CHADEMA presidential candidate’s convoy was teargassed by police in Mara region while his running mate’s convoy was teargassed in Morogoro region.

The vocal politician claimed that his party was being intimidated after all efforts to sabotage his campaigns failed, including that of denying him use of a helicopter. 

The former Singida East MP and Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) president, warned that all unacceptable threats against his party have been communicated to the UN and AU human rights commissions, whereby the AU chairman said the world was closely monitoring the Tanzania election situation.

“We will stand firm. But, any disruption of things will provide clear evidence of people who should be held accountable, including appearing before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague,” he said.

The presidential candidate said although he didn’t want Tanzanians to face charges before The Hague-based ICC, Mahera and people of authority in the government should watch over their statements and conducts.

Responding to the latest development, he said this ochestrated 'rough justice' is yet another proof of a discredited NEC and a compromised electoral system.

"The NEC's decision is totally unacceptable. I'll not be intimidated or silenced. The campaigns will continue on Sunday as scheduled." He insisted.

Yesterday the US embassy in Tanzania issued a bold statement calling for the country’s authorities to maintain impartiality during the elections process.

“The United States, along with other democratic nations, will be paying close attention to actions of individuals who interfere in the democratic process or instigate violence against the civilian population before, during or after the elections.” The US warned, adding that their government will not hesitate to consider consequences for those found to be responsible for election-related violence or undermining the democratic process.