Tanzania has been witnessing a crucial local government election that has captured the attention of not only its citizens but also international observers. The election, which saw more than 31 million eligible voters casting their ballots, is being viewed as a key litmus test for the country’s democratic institutions, particularly as the nation approaches its presidential election in 2025. These local government elections, held on November 28, 2024, have a significant impact on the political landscape, as more than 80,000 street and village leaders are elected—officials whose roles and influence reach deep into communities, making them powerful figures in the country.
While local elections may seem less dramatic compared to national presidential contests, in Tanzania, they play a crucial role in shaping the political direction of the country. Local leaders, who are responsible for managing village-level issues, local services, and community development, wield considerable authority and are often seen as gatekeepers for national politics. As such, the results of these elections have the potential to either reinforce or challenge the political establishment at the national level.
The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has been in power for more than six decades, establishing a dominant grip on Tanzanian politics. The party has long been associated with the leadership of Tanzania’s first president, Julius Nyerere, and has retained significant influence over the country’s institutions. As the CCM continues its tenure, opposition parties have increasingly focused on challenging the status quo, particularly ahead of the 2025 presidential election.
In the lead-up to the election, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who assumed office in March 2021 after the sudden death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, promised that the elections would be free, fair, and transparent. This promise came after a period of international criticism of her predecessor, who was seen as an authoritarian leader who stifled political dissent, muzzled the media, and undermined democratic freedoms.
However, despite Hassan’s pledges for a more open political environment, reports of election irregularities and accusations of repression have surfaced, casting a shadow over the credibility of the election process. Human rights groups, domestic opposition parties, and foreign governments have all raised alarms over what they describe as attempts to undermine the democratic process.
One of the most vocal critics of the election process has been the main opposition party, Chadema (Party for Democracy and Progress). Chadema, which has historically been a significant opposition force in Tanzania, accused the authorities of vote rigging and the manipulation of the electoral process ahead of the elections. In the weeks leading up to the election, Chadema claimed that thousands of its candidates were disqualified from running for local office, severely restricting the party’s ability to contest the elections effectively.
A spokesperson for Chadema described the situation as dire, with widespread allegations of irregularities, including the stuffing of ballot boxes and other forms of electoral fraud. These claims have raised concerns about the integrity of the election and whether it can be considered a legitimate reflection of the will of the Tanzanian people.
Tensions ahead of the election have not been limited to legal and procedural disputes. The days leading up to the election were marked by incidents of violence and intimidation. Chadema reported that three of its members were killed on the eve of the election under suspicious circumstances. These deaths have sparked outrage within the opposition party, which views them as part of a broader pattern of intimidation and violence targeting its supporters and candidates.
In addition to the tragic deaths, Chadema’s leader, Freeman Mbowe, was briefly arrested during a political rally over the weekend before the election. Mbowe’s arrest, coupled with the alleged deaths of party members, has intensified accusations of political repression under President Hassan’s administration. The opposition claims that the authorities have used force and the threat of violence to suppress political opposition, fueling concerns that the election could be marred by a lack of fairness and accountability.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s rise to power was seen by many as a hopeful moment for Tanzania’s political future. When she took office following the unexpected death of John Magufuli in March 2021, she was initially praised for her efforts to ease some of the restrictions imposed by her predecessor. Magufuli, who ruled Tanzania from 2015 until his death, was often criticized for his authoritarian style of governance, which included cracking down on opposition parties, restricting press freedoms, and undermining civil society.
Under Hassan’s leadership, Tanzania saw a shift in tone, with some opposition leaders being allowed more freedom to operate, and the media receiving less harassment from the government. She was also seen as a figure who could restore diplomatic relations with Western governments, which had soured during Magufuli’s tenure due to his rejection of foreign aid and international pressure on issues like human rights and democracy.
However, despite these initial hopes, the administration of Samia Suluhu Hassan has faced mounting criticism for what appears to be a return to some of the repressive tactics employed by her predecessor. As the local elections approached, rights groups and Western governments raised concerns over the rising crackdown on opposition figures, journalists, and civil society activists. The recent violence surrounding Chadema’s campaign and the disqualification of opposition candidates have been seen as part of this troubling trend.
The international community has been closely monitoring Tanzania’s electoral process, with many hoping that the country would take steps toward greater democracy and transparency. However, the reports of irregularities, repression, and violence surrounding the 2024 local government elections have prompted renewed calls for greater political reform.
The United States, the European Union, and other Western governments have expressed their concerns, urging the Tanzanian government to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process. They have called for an independent investigation into the deaths of opposition members and for measures to be taken to guarantee the safety and rights of political opposition figures.
For Tanzanians, the 2024 local government elections represent a critical juncture in the country’s democratic journey. With the presidential election looming in 2025, the results of this election could signal whether the political landscape in Tanzania is shifting toward greater openness or whether the country will continue to face challenges in realizing its democratic aspirations.
As President Samia Suluhu Hassan faces growing pressure both domestically and internationally, the future of Tanzania’s democracy hangs in the balance. The outcome of these local elections will serve as an important indicator of the political direction the country is headed and whether the promise of democratic reforms under Hassan’s leadership can be fully realized.
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