Minister of State in the President’s Office for Regional Administration and Local Government, Mohamed Mchengerwa. Photo: Courtesy
Opposition parties report widespread irregularities in local government elections
By Adonis Byemelwa
Tanzania’s local government election process has sparked significant controversy as opposition parties allege widespread irregularities, from voter registration to candidate nominations. Reports surfaced during the voter registration phase that students in primary and secondary schools had been included in voter rolls, an issue that many critics, including clergy, condemned as an alarming trend in Tanzania’s democratic process.
There were also reports of deceased individuals’ names appearing on the voter list, raising further concerns about the integrity of the registration process. As the nomination period for candidates proceeded, opposition candidates faced unprecedented challenges.
In several cases, local officials reportedly refused to accept nomination forms from opposition candidates without providing any reason. Candidates were also allegedly disqualified based on unclear or arbitrary grounds, prompting serious questions about the fairness of the electoral process. Reflecting on these incidents, some political analysts and opposition leaders questioned whether the government was creating an uneven playing field.
Former Dar es Salaam regional chairman Boniface Jacob, known as “Boni Yai,” raised concerns over what he described as a targeted campaign to eliminate opposition candidates. Jacob revealed that in Dar es Salaam alone, out of 636 local wards, 571 Chadema candidates had been disqualified, leaving only 45 to contest. In positions for local government representatives, Chadema candidates saw 3,711 of their nominations rejected, leaving a mere 111 still in the race.
Jacob stated that local officials, under the direction of district commissioners and security heads, have been instructed to obstruct Chadema’s candidates from running. “We will fight this unprecedented battle. I am ready to lead this fight,” he declared on his social media platform, X, promising to rally against what he termed a brazen denial of democratic rights.
In Mpwapwa, Dodoma, independent candidate, and lawyer Mahinyila has voiced strong objections to his disqualification from running for village council chair in Berege, citing claims of non-residency.
In a detailed statement to the press, Mahinyila, visibly perplexed, noted that he had competed for the councillorship in 2020, only losing to a CCM candidate, and his residency was never questioned then. “If I wasn’t a resident, how did I qualify in 2020? And how is it that I am listed in the 2024 voter registration book?” he remarked, questioning the grounds for his disqualification.
Expressing deep frustration, Mahinyila emphasized the timing of this decision as especially troubling. “This isn’t just about me—it’s about ensuring that electoral processes are transparent and consistent for all. I urge the authorities to honor the principles of fair competition. It’s time we walked the talk on President Samia’s reconciliation pillars, the 4Rs, which call for reform, reconciliation, and the preservation of democratic rights,” he stated.
According to Mahinyila, he has filed a formal complaint, outlining his arguments across nine pages and calling on the election commission to review his case promptly. “I am committed to defending my right to participate. This is about democracy, and democracy must be safeguarded,” he said passionately.
In response to the growing controversy, Minister of State in the President’s Office for Regional Administration and Local Government, Mohamed Mchengerwa, urged any candidate dissatisfied with the nomination outcomes to file an official objection within two days, starting November 8, 2024.
Speaking to the media, Mchengerwa emphasized the importance of adhering to the legal protocols outlined in Government Notices No. 571, 573, 574, and 572 from July 12, 2024, which require Assistant Returning Officers to finalize candidate selections and post lists of qualified and disqualified candidates for public scrutiny.
Mchengerwa clarified that candidates have two days to submit their objections in writing if they believe their disqualification was unjust. “Following the guidelines, objections should be filed today and tomorrow so that the issues can be resolved fairly,” he said, urging all candidates to avoid airing grievances on social media without first following the formal complaint process.
The Minister further assured that candidates who remain dissatisfied with the Assistant Returning Officer’s decision on their objections can appeal to the Appeals Committee, with appeals accepted from November 10 to 13. He stressed that these procedures are crucial to maintaining transparency and fairness throughout the election process.
Opposition parties and candidates, facing restrictive conditions, find themselves in a challenging battle to uphold their rights in the local election process. Analysts warn that these electoral controversies risk undermining Tanzania’s democratic landscape and could strain the country’s political stability.
The atmosphere grows increasingly tense as both national and international observers express concern over how these actions might erode political pluralism and damage public confidence in the electoral system—especially with Tanzania’s general elections approaching. The outcomes of these local elections could set a precedent, shaping the democratic trajectory and public trust in governance for years to come.
