The Tanganyika Law Society has expressed concern that the announced ‘General Elections,’ in Tanzania whose voting exercise is planned for October 2025 is marred in controversy.
The President of the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) Advocate Boniface Mwabukusi in addressing the public on Tuesday, the 26th of August 2025 has pointed out that the planned polls lack political legitimacy.
“All indications towards the forthcoming polls reveal that the polls will not be free or fair, especially because the National Electoral body has hijacked the entire process,” stated the TLS President, adding that there is the need for national dialogue to clear the air before attempting the votes.
Mwabukusi warned that the nation was at crossroads and badly divided.
Mwabukusi said the National Bar Association has already held audiences with all important institutions in the country including religious organizations, political parties, members of the media fraternity and even members of the public.
“We have compiled a report from the session and have sent the same to the President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu,” Mwabukusi explained, adding that they have even requested an audience with the head of state, but are yet to get the response from the state house.
He pointed out that at the moment in Tanzania; there is a trend to criminalize political statements.
“Majority of the people, institutions and organizations have unanimously stated that even the treason case filed against Tundu Antipas Lissu, the chairperson of the main opposition party CHADEMA was politicized.
“It is also not fair to lock up the main contestant in the polls and grounding all political activities of the main opposition party, and then organize a one-sided general election,” warned the TLS president.
“We are also concerned about the recent statements from the police, threatening to shoot and kill people during the elections,” said Mwabukusi.
The TLS position comes shortly after the former Ambassador of Tanzania to Cuba; Humphrey Polepole claimed that the voting register has been linked with the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which means the ballots can easily be tampered with.
Later the former CCM Member of Parliament for Kawe, Bishop Josephat Gwajima also addressed the public through social media saying the government no longer listens to people because the leaders know that