Tanzania stands at a critical crossroads in its democratic journey after the disqualification of the country’s leading opposition party, CHADEMA, from contesting the October 2025 general elections.
Ahead of Tanzania’s 2025 elections, CHADEMA launched the #NoReforms #NoElections campaign, demanding legal reforms insisting that without genuine reforms Tanzania’s elections risk being a mere façade of democracy. The government’s response? The arrest and prosecution of the CHADEMA chairperson, on charges widely considered politically motivated. On April 12, 2025, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) held a rushed ceremony for parties to sign the Electoral Code of Ethics. CHADEMA didn’t attend and was disqualified—despite no legal deadline—raising concerns about fairness and transparency in the electoral process.
This situation echoes broader trends observed across Africa, where opposition leaders are increasingly criminalised, civic space is shrinking, and institutions critical to democratic consolidation are under threat.
This webinar brings together election experts, political analysts, civil society actors, and regional stakeholders to reflect on the following questions:
- Was CHADEMA’s demand for reforms before the 2025 elections reasonable?
- Can meaningful electoral reforms be achieved in Tanzania without amending the constitution?
- What are the implications of CHADEMA’s boycott and subsequent disqualification?
- Are we witnessing an improvement or decline compared to the 2020 elections?
- Is the criminalisation of opposition leaders, especially through treason charges, becoming a normalised tactic across the continent?
- What does this mean for democratic norms like citizen participation, freedom of expression, and accountability?
