African Court Set to Deliver Long-Awaited Judgment on Tanzania’s 2020 Elections
The ruling is expected to clarify whether the actions taken during Tanzania’s 2020 elections met the standards required under African human rights and electoral laws.
The ruling is expected to clarify whether the actions taken during Tanzania’s 2020 elections met the standards required under African human rights and electoral laws.
“The October 29 election is null and void and all results must be cancelled,” Heche said, adding that Tanzanians were denied a genuine chance to choose their leaders.
The review comes amid growing international scrutiny following the EU Parliament’s resolution calling for accountability and the release of political prisoners.
Several MEPs spoke about the violent crackdown on protesters, the imprisonment of nearly all major opposition leaders and the treatment of activists from Kenya and Uganda who were beaten and tortured for observing Tundu Lissu’s trial.
The Foundation said Tanzania deserves a path toward justice, truth and national unity, calling for an honest and inclusive national dialogue.
Her lawyer, Peter Kibatala, told the court that Niffer was beaten by several police officers and forced to sign a statement before she was taken to court.
His current location remains unknown, raising serious concerns about his safety and wellbeing.
Human rights activists have also raised alarm over reports of an internet shutdown, curfews and what they describe as a deliberate media blackout, with most Tanzanian outlets avoiding coverage of the protests.
The protests come as voter turnout remains low, with several polling stations especially in Dar es Salaam, remaining almost empty hours after opening.
They highlighted a silent epidemic of abductions and enforced disappearances, referencing the cases of CHADEMA leaders Tundu Lissu and John Heche, as well as former ambassador Humphrey Polepole, who all remain in detention or missing.