Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — Barely a day after the U.S Department of State imposed visa restrictions on unspecified number of Tanzanian officials it accused of subverting the electoral process, Tanzanian government has demanded clarifications on the basis of the imposed bans since the country’s electoral laws allows aggrieved parties to seek legal redress whenever they feel dissatisfied by the results.
Semistocles Kaijage, the Chairman of Tanzania’s National Electoral Commission (NEC) told reporters that there’s nothing unusual about the Visa restrictions although the U.S Department of State did not categorically state the motives for the alleged bans.
“The basis for imposing sanctions is what matters. Those who have imposed restrictions should substantiate their claims that the election process was breached because their statement is too general and not concrete,” said Kaijage.
Visa Restrictions
The U.S Department of State said last week it was imposing visa restrictions on unnamed Tanzanian officials it accused of undermining democracy and gross violation of human rights during the last year’s general elections.
According to the statement, such officials subverted the electoral process thereby continuing, what it called ‘the downward trajectory of the country’s democracy.’
The statement cites reports from independent election observers, highlighting widespread irregularities and alleged human rights abuses, violations, before, during and after elections in which opposition candidates were reportedly routinely disqualified, harassed and arrested.
Tanzania government, however, dismissed the allegations, insisting that the opinion that the election was sabotaged needed detailed explanations.
Resounding Victory
President John Magufuli, won a resounding election victory with 84% of the votes, followed by his main opposition challenger, who garnered 13% of the vote.
Lissu who returned to Tanzania last year after a three-year exile in Belgium where he was recovering from 16 bullet wounds sustained in an assassination attempt rejected the results.
Violence And Intimidation
However, the basis of the U.S Department of State’s action emanated from widespread voting irregularities, internet disruptions, intimidation of journalists and violence by security forces that marred the election process.
According to the U.S Department of State, leaders of Tanzania’s civil society groups are still threatened and some opposition leaders have been forced to flee the country fearing for their safety.
“We urge the government of Tanzania to reverse course and hold accountable those responsible for the flawed election, violence, and intimidation,” said the statement.
According to the statement, the U.S will continue to closely follow developments in Tanzania, and will not hesitate to take action against individuals complicit in undermining democracy and violating human rights.
“Finally, we emphasize that today’s actions are not directed at the Tanzanian people.
“We commend Tanzanians who participated in the election peacefully and in good faith, and we will work together with all those committed to advancing democracy, human rights and mutual prosperity,” the statement concludes.
Lissu, who in December called for sanctions, asset freezes and travel bans against officials behind rights violations described the move by the U.S government as a warning to dictators.
“The U.S has sent a clear and unmistakable warning to those who stole the elections in Tanzania and Uganda. No impunity for your violent and fraudulent actions and there’s more to come.”
Robert Amstardam, Lissu’s International Lawyer who played an instrumental role to guarantee his safety during the elections said restriction against Tanzania’s regime sends strong signals, thus “corrupt officials” won’t be sending their children abroad for studies.
“I congratulate this important decision by secretary (former) Pompeo and the State Department leadership to bring accountability to Tanzania. We hope that this may be the first penalty of many more to come,” he tweeted.