Opposition Alleges Irregularities in Tanzania’s Local Elections Amid Mounting Tensions

By Adonis Byemelwa

Tanzania's local government elections, held on November 27, 2024, have become a focal point of tension as Chadema, the country’s main opposition party, raises serious allegations of electoral misconduct, violence, and systemic irregularities.

These elections, intended to elect grassroots leaders such as village, street, and ward chairpersons, are pivotal in shaping the governance framework for the next five years. However, incidents of brutality, vote tampering, and administrative failings have cast a shadow over the process, prompting calls for accountability and reform.

Chadema Chairman Freeman Mbowe has alleged that police shot and killed their Ulongoni A candidate, Modestus Timbisimilwa, during a scuffle over alleged vote rigging. “We condemn the killing of our candidate Modestus Timbisimilwa, who was shot by police while trying to stop fraudulent votes,” Mbowe stated.

However, Dar es Salaam Police Commander Jumanne Muliro dismissed the claim, attributing Timbisimilwa’s death to hypertension. “He had a history of high blood pressure and fell ill at the polling station. He was rushed to a clinic but passed away,” Muliro said, adding that the accusations circulating online are “completely false.”

Violence has cast a dark shadow over the nation as chilling attacks on opposition candidates emerge. In Manyoni East, Chadema's candidate for Hamlet Chairperson in Mkweze Ward was ambushed at home by suspected ruling party affiliates, according to Chadema’s Director of Communications, John Mrema.

The attack spiraled into chaos when police intervened, resulting in the fatal shooting of George Juma Mohamed, a staunch Chadema supporter. Meanwhile, in Tunduma, tragedy struck again as Steven Chalamila, a respected Chadema leader, was brutally hacked to death in his home by machete-wielding assailants. The community is reeling from these shocking events, demanding justice for the lives lost.

These violent episodes highlight the risks faced by opposition figures in a political climate that has increasingly been criticized for hostility toward dissenting voices. Political analyst Juma Athumani, based in Shinyanga, remarked, “Such acts undermine the sanctity of elections and breed fear and distrust among citizens. When violence targets political actors, democracy itself is endangered.”

Chadema also accused the ruling party, CCM, of widespread ballot manipulation. In Chato District, six ballot boxes containing pre-marked votes in favor of CCM were reportedly discovered at a polling station in Nyaruntembo Ward.

Similar allegations surfaced in Bariadi Town and Kibaha, where pre-filled ballots were allegedly introduced into the election process. In one instance, Bumija Senkondo, Chadema’s regional chairperson for Pwani, was detained after exposing ballot boxes with pre-marked votes.

The implications of such allegations are far-reaching. These local government elections serve as a barometer for Tanzania's democratic health, and irregularities at this level raise concerns about the fairness of future national elections.

Mwanza-based political commentator Fatma Nyamuhanga noted, “When citizens lose faith in the electoral process at the grassroots level, it diminishes their confidence in larger democratic institutions. Transparency at every stage is essential to ensure public trust.”

According to Mrema, administrative mishandling further marred the election. In several districts, voting was delayed due to logistical errors. In Kilosa, ballot papers for the position of Village Chairperson were unavailable in Dumila Ward, causing delays until mid-morning.

In Segerea, ballot papers intended for one polling station were sent to another, sparking confusion. Such issues raise questions about the preparedness of electoral authorities and the mechanisms in place to address procedural flaws.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, casting her vote in Dodoma’s Chamwino Ikulu, emphasized the importance of peaceful participation and reassured citizens that the election results would reflect the will of the people. However, her message of optimism was overshadowed by incidents reported elsewhere.

In Mwanza, the arrest of Chadema agents added to the tension. Police claimed that two agents, along with a candidate for chairman, attempted to flee with a ballot box containing unused papers.

However, Chadema’s regional representatives countered this narrative, alleging that their members had intercepted a ballot box filled with pre-marked votes and were raising an alarm when they were detained.

The differing accounts highlight the polarization surrounding the elections. Mwanza’s Police Commander Wilbrod Mutafungwa insisted that law enforcement was ensuring order, but Chadema officials accused authorities of bias. Zacharia Obad, Chadema’s Victoria Zone Secretary, stated, “Our agents were doing their duty to protect the integrity of the vote. Instead of supporting their efforts, they were arrested and vilified.”

Despite the controversies, some areas experienced orderly voting. In Shinyanga, residents praised the inclusion of people with disabilities and the elderly, who were given priority in voting queues. However, logistical lapses such as missing voter lists dampened the overall experience. Election officials attributed the omissions to concerns over rain damaging posted lists, assuring voters that registries were available at polling centers.

The stakes in these elections are high. Local leaders play a critical role in shaping service delivery, resolving community disputes, and bridging the gap between citizens and the central government. Their election is a crucial exercise in grassroots democracy. Yet, when the process is mired in allegations of violence and fraud, its legitimacy comes into question.

Looking ahead, Chadema has called for immediate measures to address the reported irregularities. The party demanded the arrest of those responsible for violence, a public explanation from electoral authorities regarding pre-marked ballots, and the extension of voting hours in affected areas. It also urged oversight at polling stations where Chadema agents were reportedly removed.

The Minister for the President’s Office of Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG) shared several key insights during his interview. On electoral progress, he said, "Our country is still young in the process of multiparty democracy, and the minor irregularities we’ve seen are understandable given the scale of the election. What stands out is the overwhelming participation of Tanzanians in the voting process."

He acknowledged the challenges faced, stating, "Tanzania is vast, and some areas, like Kilosa, experienced delays in receiving voting materials. Despite this, the election process has made significant progress."

On handling irregularities, he assured, "Any criminal irregularities will be dealt with through the legal system. We are committed to ensuring the rule of law is upheld."

Reflecting on the success of the election, he remarked, "If I were to be asked about the success of the election, I would say it has been a great achievement. The turnout of leaders, elders, and young people shows the growing awareness of the importance of democracy in our country."

He also commended Tanzanians for their participation, saying, "I congratulate all Tanzanians for ensuring peace during this election. Their participation reflects the success of this process and our collective commitment to democracy."

The broader implications of these elections cannot be understated. They test Tanzania’s commitment to democratic principles at a time when political tensions are high. As Athumani noted, “What happens in these local elections sets the tone for national politics. If irregularities are normalized here, they risk becoming entrenched in the system.”

Observers have also highlighted the need for electoral reforms to prevent future controversies. Nyamuhanga suggested increased training for election officials, stricter oversight mechanisms, and greater investment in voter education. “A fair election begins with well-informed citizens and well-prepared officials. Both elements are crucial to restoring public confidence,” she said.

The government has yet to respond comprehensively to Chadema’s allegations, but authorities have pledged to investigate incidents of violence and procedural violations. Meanwhile, citizens are left grappling with the dual realities of optimism in areas where elections proceeded peacefully and frustration in regions plagued by irregularities.

For Tanzania, these elections are more than a contest for local leadership—they are a reflection of the country’s democratic trajectory. Ensuring a transparent and accountable process is not just about safeguarding votes; it is about preserving the trust of a nation in its democratic institutions. The events of November 27, 2024, will likely influence how Tanzanians perceive their political future and the willingness of leaders to uphold the principles of fairness and justice.

Analysts, citizens, and political actors alike resonate with a shared call for genuine democratic practices that honor the people's will. Whether these elections serve as a stepping stone or a stumbling block for Tanzania’s democracy remains to be seen, but the lessons learned here will undoubtedly shape the path forward.