Tanzania has entered a tense political period as the treason trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu begins, just weeks before the country heads to the polls. The development has drawn widespread concern both locally and internationally, with many viewing it as a major test for democracy in one of East Africa’s largest nations. Lissu, who leads the CHADEMA party, has long been a vocal critic of the government, repeatedly calling for reforms to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process. His arrest and prosecution have heightened fears that the upcoming October 29, 2025 general elections could proceed without meaningful opposition participation.
The saga began in April 2025, when Lissu was arrested following a rally in the southern town of Mbinga, where he publicly launched a civic campaign under the slogan “No Reforms, No Elections.” He accused the government of manipulating electoral laws and the National Electoral Commission to favor the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party. Within days of the rally, prosecutors charged him with treason, alleging that his speech encouraged citizens to rebel against state authority and disrupt public order. Additional charges of spreading false information were also filed, claiming he used social media to “malign state institutions.” Due to the seriousness of the treason charge—which in Tanzania can carry a death penalty—Lissu was denied bail and has remained in custody since.
The CHADEMA party has faced a series of administrative and legal hurdles in the lead-up to the election. The National Electoral Commission disqualified the party from fielding candidates after it refused to sign a mandatory code of conduct, arguing that the document was unconstitutional and designed to silence dissent. As a result, Tanzania’s largest opposition party is expected to miss out on the 2025 ballot, leaving the ruling CCM with minimal competition. Party officials have described the move as “a calculated effort to weaken democracy and remove critical voices.”
Lissu’s trial officially opened on October 6, 2025, at the High Court in Dar es Salaam, under tight security and intense public attention. Reports indicate that dozens of his supporters who attempted to attend the hearing were barred by police, and some were allegedly assaulted outside the courtroom. Journalists were also restricted, with the court banning live coverage at the request of state prosecutors, citing the need to protect witnesses. Lissu, appearing calm and resolute, pleaded not guilty, insisting that the charges are politically motivated and meant to silence reform advocates ahead of the polls.
As the election date approaches, tensions continue to rise. Civic groups, international human rights organizations, and several Western governments have voiced alarm at what they describe as an “increasingly repressive political environment.” Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have both condemned Lissu’s detention and urged Tanzanian authorities to uphold due process. Meanwhile, the ruling CCM government has maintained that the judiciary is independent and that the election will proceed as planned.
The October 29 election is set to determine Tanzania’s next president and members of parliament. However, with the main opposition sidelined and its leader behind bars, critics warn that the vote risks becoming a one-party exercise, undermining public confidence and democratic legitimacy. For many Tanzanians, the events surrounding Lissu’s arrest, trial, and CHADEMA’s exclusion symbolize the growing divide between reform advocates and state institutions. As the trial unfolds and election day draws near, the world watches closely to see whether Tanzania will honor its democratic promise or continue down a path of tightening political control.
