Tanzania opposition calls for transitional government after disputed election
NAIROBI, Kenya —
Tanzania’s largest opposition party has called for the establishment of a transitional government following a contested election that excluded them from participation. The party claims that the current government lacks legitimacy.
John Heche, vice chair of Chadema, the opposition party, has urged the United Nations and African continental bodies to oversee the formation of a transitional government and to conduct a new, fair election.
Heche declared the October 29 election, which saw the ruling party claim over 97% of the votes, as null and void. He also called for the dissolution of the Tanzanian electoral body.
“The entire election is invalid and lacks legitimacy due to gross violations of the law, justice, and democratic principles,” stated Heche.
The disputed election sparked widespread protests resulting in hundreds of casualties and over 2,000 arrests.
Tanzanian activists had organized a follow-up protest, but it was met with a heavy police presence and crackdowns in major cities.
The Southern African Development Community criticized Tanzania’s election for falling short of democratic standards, citing irregularities and restricted access for political party agents and voters.
Concerns were raised over the country’s internet shutdown on election day and the following 10 days by human rights organizations.
Chadema’s Chairperson Tundu Lissu has been detained since April on charges of treason for advocating electoral reforms.
Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who secured a landslide victory, pledged to unite the nation during her inauguration speech, attributing the election violence to external forces.
