In a rare and explosive political confession, former ambassador and Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) cadre Humphrey Polepole has completely broken ranks with the ruling party, accusing its leadership of systematically undermining democracy, suppressing dissent, and manipulating elections through state institutions.
Mr. Polepole, once an ardent CCM member and a diplomat representing Tanzania in Malawi and Cuba, delivered a fiery tell-all speech where he apologized to Tanzanians for his past role in what he now describes as the rigging machinery of the state.
His disclosures extend beyond personal grievances—they shed light on how CCM has allegedly exploited the national identification system and the electoral commission to tilt elections in its favor.
Secrets of the System: How CCM Allegedly Rigged Elections
The most damning part of Polepole’s revelations centered on what he described as a CCM-controlled infrastructure of electoral manipulation.
According to him, The National Identification System (NIDA) was integrated with the electoral commission to create a mechanism allowing CCM to pre-determine votes before elections. He says that, initially, these systems were designed for administrative efficiency—but were later hijacked by party loyalists to rig elections in CCM’s favor.
Opposition parties like ACT Wazalendo and CHAUMA were, in his words, “fabrications” backed by CCM to create the illusion of multi-party democracy, while the only genuine opposition—CHADEMA—was being dismantled.
“I ask for forgiveness from my fellow Tanzanians. I was part of building this system. Today it is being abused to destroy democracy. I ask for forgiveness for being part of the rigging architecture. I now stand on the side of truth,” he admitted.
Polepole accused the government of deliberately shutting down CHADEMA by arresting its leader, Tundu Lissu, who remains in detention without conviction. He went further, alleging that CCM is essentially in opposition with itself because the other parties are co-opted.
Tanzania is heading into elections with no genuine competition, making the outcome predetermined.
The presidency of Samia Suluhu Hassan has been “hijacked by loyalists” who shield her from reforms while encouraging her to cling to power.
“There is no reason to have elections in Tanzania under these conditions. Until the constitution is reformed and the electoral commission is independent, every election will be a fraud.”
He demanded the creation of an independent body to investigate NIDA and the electoral commission before any election is held.
Like outspoken CCM MP Josephat Gwajima, he called for the immediate release of Tundu Lissu, warning that keeping him in jail is pushing the country toward revolt.
Finally, Polepole issued a stark ultimatum that if reforms are not enacted, he will “name everyone in the CCM loyalist clique” allegedly responsible for capturing the Tanzanian state.
Why This Matters: The Insider Effect
Humphrey Polepole is not an opposition firebrand—he is a product of the CCM system. That makes his break from the party especially dangerous for the ruling elite:
He understands the mechanics of CCM’s internal machinery and has diplomatic and political legitimacy from decades of service.
His words carry weight with both Tanzanians and international observers.
By openly admitting CCM’s alleged manipulation of the electoral system, Polepole has provided the first insider testimony confirming long-held suspicions of rigged processes.
The Bigger Picture: Tanzania’s Democratic Crisis
Polepole’s speech comes at a moment when Tanzania’s democracy is already under scrutiny:
Internal dissent is rising within CCM, with figures like Gwajima and now Polepole challenging the party’s direction.
Opposition leaders silenced: Lissu’s imprisonment without conviction highlights the erosion of the rule of law.
International concern: Tanzania risks losing credibility abroad if it heads into the 2025 elections with a discredited process.
The danger is not only political. As Polepole warned, a country heading into elections without reforms, without opposition, and without trust risks deeper instability.
Humphrey Polepole’s revelations represent more than a personal confession—they are a public indictment of CCM’s hold on power and a direct challenge to President Samia’s legitimacy.
By exposing alleged rigging systems tied to NIDA and the electoral commission, he has placed CCM in the global spotlight. His call for boycotting elections unless reforms are enacted could embolden Tanzanians who already feel betrayed by a system they see as rigged by design.
For now, Tanzania stands at a crossroads: heed the warnings of insiders like Polepole and Gwajima—or march toward elections that risk being seen not as democracy, but as theatre.
