Local elections are taking place this Wednesday, November 27 across Tanzania. In total, more than 75,000 villages and hamlets will elect their local representatives for a five-year term. An election which takes place after months of political tensions in the country with the disappearance of political opponents, and one year before the presidential election.
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With our correspondent in Dar es Salaam, Élodie Goulesque
“ Come many », headlines the daily Daily News while the local elections this Wednesday, November 27 do not seem to excite the crowds in Tanzania. The ruling CCM party, however, claims that 95% of the population has registered to vote. A figure which leaves some independent media doubtful. Rather, they point the finger at government interference in these elections.
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Freeman Mbowe, the leader of the opposition Chadema party, announced for his part that nearly 70% of his candidates were disqualified, often for administrative reasons such as a poorly completed form or missing stamps. In recent weeks, some political opponents have been banned from campaigning by the police, or even arrested.
Even religious leaders, extremely respected in the country, have interfered in the debate. The Reverend Wolfgang Pisa, head of the bishops’ conference of Tanzaniadenounced the “ blatant favoritism » towards CCM candidates.
President Samia Suluhu’s party predicted, even before the vote, “ a crushing victory ” future. Methods reminiscent of those of the authoritarian former president John Magufuli, from whom the current head of state had nevertheless promised to distance herself.
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