Tanzania’s opposition party CHADEMA has rejected the results of the presidential and parliamentary elections in the East African country. The organisation published a statement on social media.
“The Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) strongly rejects the so-called election results announced by the National Electoral Commission. These results have no basis in reality, as the truth is that no genuine election took place in Tanzania,” the statement reads.
The party’s leader, Tundu Lissu, has been charged with treason and spreading false information. The case concerning alleged disinformation relates in particular to a video in which the opposition figure claims that candidates from his party were barred from participating in the elections due to a direct order from the authorities. The charges were filed on 10 April at the Kisutu Magistrates’ Court in Ruvuma Province.
On 29 October, incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan won the presidential election with 97.66% of the vote. She ran as the candidate of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM, “Party of the Revolution”). The election period was marked by protests that escalated into riots, with demonstrators setting fire to police stations and blocking roads.
On 1 November, President Samia Suluhu Hassan condemned the post-election protests, calling the demonstrations “unpatriotic.” (GSF)
