Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) is informing party members, supporters, and the international community on a rapidly deteriorating political climate in Tanzania. Recent developments point to a deliberate erosion of democratic space characterized by misuse of state institutions particularly the judiciary and security apparatus to suppress legitimate political activity and silencent dissent.

Firstly, Undermining of Legitimate Party Leadership
We are witnessing orchestrated efforts, led by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties,to interfere with the internal affairs and leadership structures of Chadema. These actions are being pursued through a baseless legal case, whose objective is not to uphold justice, but to derail Chadema’s ongoing nationwide campaign of No Reforms, No Election. This campaign is a peaceful, democratic call for comprehensive electoral reforms and the restoration of integrity to Tanzania’s political processes.

Secondly,escalation of Political Harassment and Violence
There has been a marked escalation in targeted acts of political intimidation and obstruction of our public activities. Local government authorities acting under apparent directives from senior figures within the ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM),have systematically denied us access to public grounds for rallies, even after accepting payment and confirming venues. Furthermore, unemployed youth are being mobilized to disrupt our rallies, harass our members, and intimidate citizens engaging with our message of democratic transformation.

Thirdly Judicial Overreach and Political Interference
Most alarmingly, on Tuesday, 10 June 2025, the High Court of Tanzania, under the direction of Judge Hamidu Mwanga, issued an ex parte order suspending all Chadema political activities for 14 days. This decision arose from a petition filed by Mr. Saidi Issa Mohammed, a former party leader in Zanzibar, alongside two individuals serving on the party’s Board of Trustees.

The Court proceeded with the matter in the absence of Chadema’s legal representation after our lead counsel, Advocate Jebra Kambole, withdrew from the case citing concerns over judicial impartiality. Despite a formal request for adjournment to allow Chadema time to appoint new counsel, the judge denied the application and proceeded to issue a politically charged ruling, devoid of legal merit.

Chadema considers this a grave threat to multiparty democracy and a dangerous signal of institutional collapse in the face of political pressure. We categorically reject the abuse of judicial processes to advance partisan interests and suppress opposition voices.

The party’s top leadership will immediately convene to evaluate the implications of this ruling and determine a decisive and principled course of action. We urge our members, supporters, and all Tanzanians who cherish justice, freedom, and democratic governance to be ready to act in accordance with forthcoming partie`s directives.

We also call upon the international community ,governments, civil society organizations, diplomatic missions, and development partners to take note of these alarming developments and to stand in solidarity with all who seek to defend democracy and the rule of law in Tanzania.