East Africa?? Three Tanzanian Opposition Politicians Mercilessly Killed In Broad Daylight - SWIFT DAILY NEWS
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East Africa?? Three Tanzanian Opposition Politicians Mercilessly Killed In Broad Daylight

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.

In a separate incident, Steven Chalamila, another Chadema official, was killed in a machete attack at his residence in Tunduma, near the Zambian border. Chadema leader Freeman Mbowe condemned these acts, alleging state complicity in electoral misconduct and suppression of opposition voices. Mbowe, who was briefly arrested last weekend after police dispersed a rally with tear gas, claimed the incidents are part of a broader campaign to ensure CCM dominance in the polls.
The elections, involving over 80,000 local leadership positions, are seen as a precursor to the presidential election scheduled for next October. Local leaders play a significant role in grassroots campaigns and administrative governance.
Critics accuse President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration of reverting to oppressive tactics, despite initial promises of reform following her predecessor John Magufuli’s authoritarian tenure.

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.

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