Tanzania’s main opposition party, CHADEMA, has declared that the October 29 general election should be cancelled, saying the vote was carried out under conditions that denied citizens a genuine democratic process. Speaking in Dar es Salaam after a meeting of the party’s Central Committee, CHADEMA vice-chairperson John Heche said the country did not have an election, arguing that the entire process lacked fairness, legality and public trust.
Heche said the party has formally withdrawn recognition of the presidential, parliamentary and local government results, insisting that Tanzanians were robbed of their right to choose leaders freely.
“The October 29 election is null and void, and all results must be cancelled. The whole process had no legitimacy because it was held under serious violations of law, rights and democracy, ”he said.
Heche also announced that the opposition wants the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) dissolved and replaced with a new body that can independently supervise future polls. He said the commission’s structure and appointment process made it impossible for Tanzanians to trust it. According to him, CHADEMA’s position is backed by reports from regional and international observers, including SADC, the African Union and the East African Community.
“These reports clearly show the environment was not equal and the legitimacy of the whole process was in question. They support our call for real reforms,” he said.
The party further raised alarm about widespread abuses surrounding the election, including killings, abductions, torture and enforced disappearances. Heche said CHADEMA has received reports from various regions of civilians being taken by security agencies and families unable to locate their loved ones. He said the party wants all abducted people released and the bodies of those killed handed over to their families.
“We want all abductions, torture and killings to stop immediately. Families must be given the bodies of their loved ones so they can bury them with dignity,” Heche said.
Heche added that CHADEMA is calling for a credible, independent investigation involving both Tanzanian and international experts to establish what happened and identify those responsible. He said an inquiry formed solely by the government would not have the trust of the public.
CHADEMA has also said it does not recognize the current government, arguing that it does not have a legitimate mandate. Instead, CHADEMA wants a transitional government to oversee accountability, release political detainees and prepare for a new election.
“Those who ordered or took part in the killing of citizens before, during and after the election must face justice. Tanzanians deserve a government chosen freely by the people, not one imposed through fear,” Heche said.
Heche closed his address by sending condolences to families who lost loved ones during the unrest, saying the events of October 29 had left deep wounds across the country. “What happened on October 29 has deeply hurt our nation. We stand with the victims and their families and we will continue this struggle together,” he said.
