Joseph Isangura
A retired Prime Minister and former judge, Joseph Warioba has issued a strong warning about Tanzania’s political environment, stating that the upcoming 2025 General Election could be a critical moment for the nation’s stability.
Speaking with journalists, Warioba highlighted serious issues within the electoral system that could undermine public trust and democratic integrity.
He pointed to the disqualification of opposition candidates and concerns over the impartiality of election officials as key challenges that must be addressed. “The electoral process must not jeopardize our country’s peace,” Warioba said. “We need immediate changes to ensure that the electoral system is fair and transparent. If these problems continue, we risk damaging our stability.”
His comments followed the recent local government elections on November 27, 2024, which were marred by the disqualification of hundreds of opposition candidates. This action led to accusations of political bias, with many in the opposition feeling that the process was unfairly skewed. While the government defended its stance, urging affected parties to file formal complaints, the damage to public trust was already significant.
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“It’s difficult to convince people that so many candidates were disqualified for valid reasons,” Warioba noted. “It’s hard to believe that could be the case for thousands of individuals.”
These remarks align with criticisms from the 2020 General Election, which faced similar allegations of irregularities and unfair practices. Warioba’s call for action underscores the importance of upholding democratic principles and fostering an electoral process that all parties can trust.
The opposition has been vocal about the need for reforms, emphasizing that fair competition is essential for national unity. While government officials have advocated for dialogue and resolution, critics insist on tangible actions to promote a fairer system.
