Tanzania’s main opposition party, CHADEMA, has condemned its disqualification from the upcoming October 2025 presidential and parliamentary elections as unconstitutional. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ruled that CHADEMA was ineligible because it failed to sign a required election code of conduct.

This decision follows the recent treason charge against CHADEMA leader Tundu Lissu, who was accused of inciting rebellion through a public speech. Lissu, who survived an assassination attempt in 2017, now faces a capital offense charge.

CHADEMA’s Chief Attorney, Rugemeleza Nshala, argued that a code of conduct cannot override constitutional rights. The party has threatened to boycott the elections unless electoral reforms are implemented, claiming the system favors the ruling party.

Human rights campaigners and opposition figures have also criticized President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration for an alleged crackdown on dissent, including reports of unexplained abductions and killings, which the government denies while promising investigations.