By Kato Jamil
Tensions escalated during Tanzania’s local elections as several opposition politicians were killed in incidents that have drawn widespread criticism and concern. The main opposition party, Chadema, reported the deaths of three of its members, raising questions about the fairness and safety of the electoral process.
Modestus Timbisimilwa, a Chadema candidate, was fatally shot in Dar es Salaam while attempting to prevent the delivery of what the party described as “fake and invalid ballots” to a polling station. Another candidate, George Juma Mohamed, was reportedly killed at his home in Mkese, central Tanzania, during a confrontation involving prison officers addressing clashes between Chadema and the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) supporters.
The authorities stated that “warning shots” were fired in response to the unrest.
Rights groups and observers, including AFP journalists, have reported instances of voter intimidation, arrests, and violent clashes in regions such as Kigoma. This marks a sharp contrast to hopes for a more open political environment under Hassan’s leadership, which had been welcomed internationally after Magufuli died in 2021.
Chadema, which boycotted the 2019 local elections citing violence and unfair practices, has reiterated concerns about systemic biases favoring the ruling CCM. The killings have further fueled doubts about the integrity of Tanzania’s democratic institutions and the protection of political freedoms.
