Dar es Salaam, October 8 — Tanzania’s ruling party—Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and the government have come under strong criticism for allegedly attacking citizens’ rights and processes necessary to ensure a free and fair election.
A 27-page document titled: “A stacked deck; opposing Tanzania’s descent into autocracy” issued by Robert Amsterdam, the founder of the U.S-based International law firm—Amsterdam & Partners, documents a series of human rights abuses and strongly criticized Tanzania’s authorities for intimidating and persecuting members of the opposition.
“Citizens must not sit idly while their rights, hopes, and dreams are eviscerated by a political party determined to stay in power at any cost,” warned the White Paper in its preamble.
Unlawful Disqualifications
The paper also accused the National Electoral Commission (NEC) of unlawfully disqualifying hundreds of opposition political candidates.
The new document was published days after Tanzania electoral body suspended the campaigns of the leading opposition presidential candidate, Tundu Lissu for seven days ostensibly for inciting violence in one of his campaign meetings, in what critics say an attempt to thwart his growing political influence.
“This orchestrated rough justice is yet another proof of a discredited NEC and compromised electoral system,” said Lissu.
Lissu has been subjected to police intimidation. For example, his convoy was blocked two days ago by heavily armed police officers for nine hours—preventing him from attending an internal party meeting in the coast region.
“After nine hours standoff with the police on the Morogoro highway, the police have blinked first. They’ve lifted the illegal blockade our right to meet freely with our members has been vindicated,” Lissu tweeted.
Lissu rallies have also been subjected to teargas attacks and frequent police intimidation, observers said
Rough Justice
The 52-year-old human rights lawyer, who is running on the ticket of Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) is a fierce critic of the incumbent President John Magufuli—who’s seeking re-election for his second and final term in office.
Lissu, who returned on July 20th after three years in exile in Belgium, survived a brazen assassination attempt in which unknown assailants shot him 16 times.
Police Violence
According to the White Paper, members of the opposition have also been charged for sedition, incitement to violence, or for holding rally the police deem illegal.
As the general election is drawing near, the document states, fears are mounting for Tanzania’s main opposition party about the status of its poll agents and their ability to monitor polling stations as required by law.
The White Paper urged President Magufuli and the country’s electoral body to respect the will of the people by ensuring that CHADEMA’s polling agents are permitted to observe polling stations as required by the law.
It warns NEC to immediately approve opposition parliamentary and councillorship candidates who were disqualified on baseless grounds and have since been waiting for a dragging appeal process.
Fabricated Lies
The document, which CCM’s party ideology publicity Secretary, Humphrey Polepole, dismissed as fabricated lies, suggests the October polls stand little chance of being free and fair.
The document calls on the international community to demand proper monitoring of the polls and to consider tougher measures against individuals it accuses of violating human rights and basic freedoms.
As the country is verging to the polls, opposition leaders say the government is using every trick to sabotage the opposition.
Misleading Impression
Zitto Kabwe the leader of ACT-Wazalendo party said the presidential candidates from little-known parties are stooges put by CCM to create the misleading impression that democracy is growing.
Meanwhile, Jim Risch, chairman of the U.S Senate Foreign Relations Committee has said the growing trend of opposition parties and the media repression ahead of the polls highlight flawed elections and the country’s eroded democratic principles.
“Suspending the leading opposition candidate’s presidential campaign on bogus charges raises serious questions about the independence of Tanzania’s electoral commission,” he said in a statement.