The prominent Tanzanian opposition leader and CHADEMA Chairman, Tundu Lissu, has strongly criticized the legitimacy of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, arguing that the October 29 election failed to meet democratic and international standards.
Speaking from Ukonga Prison, in Dar es Salaam, where he’s currently being held on treason and false information charges, Lissu aligned himself with preliminary findings from the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Observer reports from AU and SADC cast serious doubt on the credibility of Tanzania’s October 29 election. The AU noted that the legal procedures used were inconsistent with regional and international standards, and that the political environment before, during, and after the vote failed to provide conditions for a peaceful or credible process.
Similarly, SADC highlighted heavy restrictions on media and freedom of expression, alongside extremely low voter turnout, with some polling stations recording no voters at all.
Lissu insisted that these findings suggest the election lacked legitimacy and undermined citizens’ ability to freely exercise their democratic rights, stressing that “Samia Suluhu Hassan is not a legitimate President of our country.”
In his hard-hitting statement from the dungeons of Ukonga Prison, Lissu stated that the Tanzania election was premeditated before 29th October 2025.
‘’The October election was decided way back before 29th October 2025,” stated Lissu, adding that the country is in a mess courtesy of President Samia, her government, and the CCM party.
In light of all the tribulations that Tanzanians went through during and after the general elections, Lissu has wished all the affected persons God’s grace as they pick up the pieces.
