Tanzania’s main opposition group, Party for Democracy and Progress commonly referred to as Chadema, has come out to stand against the temporary suspension of the campaign of its presidential candidate Tundu Lissu, who is facing the incumbent John Magufuli in the coming general election.
Lissu Presidential campaigns were suspended after Tanzania’s National Electoral Commission (NEC) accused him of violating several election regulations something that the opposition says they will observe even after viewing it as unfair, illegal, and unacceptable.
The seven days suspension has however been met with verbal protests from Lissu’s men.
The election commission accused of violating election regulations including making unplanned addresses to masses of people.
However, Lissu said the commission was out to silence him in the same period his competitor – President Magufuli is taking a rest from campaigns.
“I know their intention. They do not want me to be on the campaign trail during the same week that Magufuli is resting,” he said that it a strategy to scare him which he will not accept.
The National Electoral Commission released a timetable that provided that Magufuli is to have an 8-day break, the same period Lissu has been forced to pause his campaigns.
According to Lissu’s supporters, this is just one of the many efforts by the electoral body to shut down the opposition.
Ibrahim Chawe, Chadema youth organization communication officer said the government is guilty of the same violation Lissu and the opposition is unfairly accused.
Hellen Sisya, Youth Democrat Union of Africa activist and communication specialist said the electoral body should also hold the ruling party accountable when it violates election regulations.
READ MORE
- Tanzania Gives Kenya Rare Support For The WTO Top Job
- Tanzanian Police Tear-Gas Opposition Presidential Candidate’s Convoy
- Tanzania Opposition Aide Arrested Over Money Laundering Claims
- Tanzania’s Shot Opposition Leader To Battle Magufuli In 2020 Polls
According to Hellen NEC has refused to respond to the claims she submitted before the commission regarding violation of election regulations by the ruling party.
Tanzania’s political analyst Azaveli Lwaitama noted that NEC is not independent and the commission is favoring the ruling party but hides behind “public support” to justify its actions.
The claims have however been denied by the electoral commission who has maintained that it was only implementing what the ethnic committee had agreed.
The ruling party – Chama Cha Mapinduzi has on the other side insisted that the elections will be free and fair if all the parties observe and obey the law.
Related: Tanzania Electoral Commission Suspends Tundu Lissu’s Presidential Campaign
