Regional human rights groups have condemned what they describe as a sham election in Tanzania, accusing President Samia Suluhu’s administration of widespread human rights abuses and systematic elimination of the opposition.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), the Pan-African Progressive Leaders Network, Vocal Africa, and PAWA 254 said the political situation in Tanzania, where the opposition has been under state attack, represents a total collapse of democratic principles within the East African Community.
The groups said there will be no genuine elections in Tanzania, claiming that the ruling regime has dismantled all mechanisms that would have guaranteed a free and fair vote.
Additionally, they stated that all main opposition candidates have either been arrested, detained, or barred from participating by the country’s electoral body.
According to the pressure groups, President Suluhu’s government has unleashed a silent campaign of fear and violence marked by enforced disappearances, abductions, torture, and extrajudicial killings of perceived opponents.
The activists accused the government of specifically targeting the main opposition party, CHADEMA, whose leader, Tundu Lissu (currently facing treason charges), for demanding electoral reforms, terming it a demonstration of the extent of political intolerance in Tanzania.
The electoral situation in Tanzania has seen a rise in political tension between Kenya and the East African nation. On October 18, drama ensued at the Kenya-Tanzania border after a rowdy group from both nations stormed the immigration offices, demanding the release of the nation's opposition leader, John Heche.
Heche is said to have been apprehended at the Isibania One Stop Border Post while he was on his way to attend Raila Odinga's burial in Bondo, Siaya County.
A large group of Kenyans reportedly stormed the immigration centre where Heceh had been detained, with the crowd demanding his immediate release.
However, a contingent of police officers deployed to man the border crossing quickly intervened and stopped the protesters from accessing the immigration officers.
With the whereabouts of Heche yet to be known, two days later, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna called on the Tanzanian government to provide the whereabouts of CHADEMA Deputy Party Leader.
Meanwhile, Tanzania will be conducting its general elections on Wednesday, October 29, to elect the president, members of the National Assembly, and ward councillors.
