This archive report was first published on 30 July 2020.
As Tanzania prepares for its presidential election on October 28, 2020, the country is grappling with a complex web of political concerns. The incumbent president, John Pombe Joseph Magufuli, has been in power for five years, and his rule has been marked by a near-eclipse of Opposition parties from the public rostrum.
One of the key issues is the president's decree that political leaders should only carry out their activities in their constituencies, which has raised questions about the role of national party leaders who are not members of parliament. Opposition leaders who have dared to challenge this decree have been arrested and charged with various offences, including making seditious statements.
Meanwhile, Magufuli has been free to campaign anywhere, although it is clear that he is doing so as the chairman of the ruling CCM party. This has not deterred the Opposition, with one of its leaders assuring that they are alive and kicking and will give Magufuli a run for his money.
Another factor that could influence the election is the recent alliance between Seif Shariff Hamad, a veteran Opposition leader from Zanzibar, and Zitto Kabwe, a young and ambitious politician from the ACT-Wazalendo party. This alliance could be interesting, to say the least, and could potentially shake up the political landscape in Tanzania.
As the election approaches, parties are completing their nominations, with the ruling CCM party fielding a large number of candidates. However, this could be a mistake, as the Opposition is gaining momentum and could potentially upset the ruling party's chances.
One of the most significant concerns surrounding the election is the fate of Tundu Lissu, a former member of parliament who was severely injured in an assassination attempt in 2017. Lissu has declared that he is returning to Tanzania to vie for the presidency as the candidate of the Chadema party, despite the risks to his life.
As Tanzania heads to the polls, the country is facing a complex web of political concerns that need to be addressed. The authorities will have to decide whether to take a path of blood or tolerance, and the outcome of the election will depend on their choice.
