Tanzania is gearing up for the 2025 General Elections amid growing concerns over the future of democracy. The arrest of Tundu Lissu the newly elected CHADEMA chairman and the disqualification of his party from the presidential race have raised pressing questions: Has Tanzania returned to a one-party era under the guise of elections?
The 2020 Elections: The Beginning of Tensions
The 2020 elections sparked widespread controversy. CCM won with 84% of the vote while the opposition decried vote-rigging, intimidation, and threats. After the election, Lissu was forced into exile, and many opposition leaders were arrested or silenced.
“Immediately after the election was called, the security detail assigned to me during the campaign was removed. The very next day, I started receiving death threats. The exact words were: ‘We are going to deal with you… we have been instructed to deal with you once and for all.’” — Tundu Lissu
For example, police detained Freeman Mbowe, the former CHADEMA chairman. Lissu himself was arrested in Dar es Salaam, kept under police protection, and later released after a short investigation. Zitto Kabwe, another opposition leader, told The Guardian:
“I know they are hunting me down. I don’t know when, but they are after us. It’s a massive crackdown.”
Changes Under President Samia (2021–2023)
The sudden death of John Magufuli brought Samia Suluhu Hassan to power. Initially, there were signs of reconciliation: bans on public rallies were lifted, and dialogue with the opposition began. Yet these hopes were short-lived.
Tundu Lissu and the Fight for a New Constitution
Lissu returned to Tanzania pledging to advocate for constitutional reforms. In January 2025, he was elected CHADEMA chairman. By April, while in Mbinga, he was arrested for “treason.” His outspoken criticisms of government corruption, poor police conditions, and allegations of bribery linked to the president’s family made him a prime target for authorities.
The 2025 Treason Case Against Lissu
Dar es Salaam, 2025 – Tanzania witnessed heightened political and legal tensions after Lissu faced serious treason charges.
On April 9, 2025, police arrested Lissu following public statements urging electoral reforms and warning citizens against participating in an unfair election. Shortly afterward, the Electoral Commission disqualified CHADEMA from the 2025 polls, citing violations of the electoral code of conduct. The moves sparked uncertainty and international calls for transparency in Lissu’s trial.
Lissu appeared in court multiple times, complaining of limited access to his lawyers. On June 16, 2025, he chose to represent himself, arguing that the government had obstructed his right to legal aid. He claimed the charges were politically motivated and requested the High Court to dismiss the case, alleging misuse of judicial procedures for political ends.
From May to August, the case experienced repeated delays. The prosecution argued for witness protection, requesting that testimonies be presented in secret, which the High Court granted a decision criticized by human rights activists. On August 18, 2025, the High Court banned live broadcasts of the proceedings, prompting Lissu to label the trial a “kangaroo court.”
On September 8, 2025, a panel of High Court judges began hearing the case formally. Representing himself, Lissu challenged the Kisutu court’s jurisdiction and highlighted discrepancies between the charges and the documents presented in court, resulting in further adjournments for evidence review.
Gwajima, Polepole, and Mpina: New Opposition Forces Shaping 2025
As Tanzania approaches the 2025 General Elections, the political landscape is increasingly dominated by controversy and bold opposition voices emerging from within and outside the ruling CCM. While the arrest of Tundu Lissu and the disqualification of CHADEMA remain central to the debate on democracy, figures like Humphrey Polepole, Mchungaji Josephat Gwajima, and Luhaga Mpina have introduced a new dimension of political dissent, challenging the system from different angles.
Humphrey Polepole, former CCM Secretary for Ideology and Propaganda and ex-Ambassador, has voiced scathing criticisms of the party and government. He claims that a powerful internal faction, which he refers to as “the network,” manipulates political decisions for personal gain. Polepole has openly named influential figures, including Rostam Aziz and former President Jakaya Kikwete, as part of this network. He further alleges that his family has been targeted, with his sister reportedly pressured or abducted to extract information about him.
Polepole’s critiques extend to the structural and ethical direction of CCM, claiming the party has abandoned principles of justice, equality, and member solidarity, transforming instead into an instrument for a select few. He laments the lack of freedom of thought within the party, arguing that dissenting voices are met with intimidation, blame, or persecution. According to him, the government prioritizes the interests of a small elite while suppressing both opposition and members within CCM who hold differing views. He warns that the political environment, marked by fear and repression, threatens the future of democracy in Tanzania.
Mchungaji Josephat Gwajima, former CCM MP and leader of the Revival and Life Church (Ufufuo na Uzima Ministries), has similarly emerged as a vocal critic of the system. Between May and June 2025, Gwajima called press conferences to highlight enforced disappearances, human rights violations, and governmental unaccountability, emphasizing that authorities have ignored systemic abuses against rights defenders.
In early June 2025, the government revoked the registration of his church, citing alleged political content in his sermons that violated the Societies Act. Gwajima responded by calling for seven days of prayer and fasting, urging citizens to prioritize the nation above political suppression. Reports indicated police presence around church premises at night, leading to occasional clashes between worshippers and security officials. Christian Solidarity Worldwide condemned the government’s action, labeling it an attempt to silence dissent.
In July, Gwajima and Polepole publicly pushed for electoral reforms ahead of the 2025 polls, insisting that CCM ensure a fair and inclusive process. Their statements were interpreted as strategic political challenges to the ruling party, prompting senior CCM figures to warn against internal divisions. In mid-August 2025, Gwajima delivered a historic speech calling for electoral reform, the release of Tundu Lissu, and reconsideration of the party’s position on the election, warning that ignoring these demands could jeopardize the legitimacy of governance and national security. His message resonated widely on social media, inspiring debates on the intersection of religion and politics.
Luhaga Mpina, former CCM MP and Minister, joined the fray in August 2025 under ACT-Wazalendo. Initially facing disqualification from the presidential race on grounds of party membership requirements, Mpina won a dramatic victory in court. On September 11, 2025, the High Court overturned the Registrar’s decision, ruling that his exclusion was unconstitutional and violated his right to a fair process. Following the judgment, INEC formally cleared Mpina to contest the October 29 elections. His reinstatement has reshaped his narrative: from a victim of systemic exclusion to a legally vindicated contender, galvanizing sympathy among citizens frustrated with entrenched political elites.
Despite his reinstatement, critics argue that Luhaga Mpina lacks the grassroots influence needed to mount a serious presidential challenge. Some even dismiss ACT-Wazalendo under his ticket as ‘CCM B,’ questioning whether his candidacy truly represents change or merely a continuation of ruling party politics under a different label.
Voices from the People: Social Media Reactions
As the 2025 elections approach, Tanzanians are increasingly turning to social media to express opinions on the political turbulence. Platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have become virtual town halls, reflecting a spectrum of public sentiment that ranges from frustration to hope.
Many users have expressed solidarity with Tundu Lissu, condemning his arrest as politically motivated and a direct threat to democratic norms. Tweets and posts highlight concerns that the disqualification of CHADEMA effectively narrows political competition, with users questioning the fairness of the electoral process and the impartiality of state institutions. Comments often describe the situation as a regression to a one-party dominant system, with hashtags calling for justice, transparency, and the release of opposition leaders trending widely.
Humphrey Polepole’s outspoken criticisms of CCM’s internal dynamics and the alleged “network” within the party have resonated with a section of the public. Social media users applaud his courage to expose internal corruption and challenge powerful elites, while others express concern about the personal risks he and his family face. Discussions around Polepole frequently highlight a desire for internal party reform, echoing his warnings that the current political climate stifles free thought and undermines democracy.
Mchungaji Josephat Gwajima’s blend of spiritual leadership and political activism has drawn significant attention online. Many citizens, especially young voters, praise his moral authority and call for systemic reform. Hashtags emphasizing faith-based civic responsibility and calls for electoral transparency have circulated widely, framing Gwajima as a symbolic bridge between religion and politics in Tanzania. At the same time, debates have emerged about the limits of religious influence in political advocacy, showing a nuanced public engagement.
Luhaga Mpina’s courtroom victory and reinstatement as ACT-Wazalendo’s presidential candidate have energized his support base. Social media users frame him as a figure of justice and resilience, praising his ability to challenge systemic exclusion through legal means. Conversations around Mpina now reflect both sympathy for his struggles and anticipation over whether his candidacy can translate into a serious challenge to CCM’s dominance.
Collectively, these online discussions reveal a citizenry that is alert, vocal, and increasingly unwilling to accept political suppression silently. Social media has become a crucial arena for holding leaders accountable, amplifying dissenting voices, and shaping public discourse in a politically charged environment. While the impact of these discussions on election outcomes remains uncertain, they underscore the growing influence of digital platforms in Tanzania’s evolving democratic landscape.
The emergence of Tundu Lissu, Humphrey Polepole, Mchungaji Josephat Gwajima, and Luhaga Mpina has reinvigorated public discourse and provided alternatives for voters disenchanted with traditional opposition. Their combined influence represents a critical challenge to CCM’s dominance and has introduced a new dynamic in Tanzania’s political arena. Whether these leaders can unite and translate public attention and emotional support into lasting political influence remains uncertain. What is clear is that the 2025 election season has been transformed by their emergence, signaling both a new chapter of opposition activism and a heightened test for democracy in Tanzania.
