Tanzania’s Chadema disqualified from 2025 election for refusing to sign ethics code
Chadema Secretary-General John Mnyika had previously declared the party’s intention to boycott the signing of ethics code, citing unresolved grievances over electoral fairness and integrity.
Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema), has been officially disqualified from participating in the October 2025 General Election after failing to sign the mandatory election code of ethics.
The announcement was made Saturday at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Dodoma, where representatives from all permanently registered political parties gathered to sign the code of ethics—a legal requirement for fielding candidates for the presidency, parliament, and local councils.
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INEC chairperson, Court of Appeal Justice Jacobs Mwambegele, presided over the signing ceremony, which was attended by a wide array of political parties, government officials and election stakeholders. Chadema, however, was notably absent.
Confirming the disqualification, INEC Director of Elections Athumani Kailima stated, “A political party that fails to sign the Electoral Code of Conduct will not be eligible to participate in the general election. According to the law, the code must be signed, adhered to and respected by all political parties, candidates, the commission and the government.”
He further explained that all presidential, parliamentary and councillor aspirants must sign a declaration agreeing to abide by the code. Without the party’s endorsement, those forms will not be issued.
Chadema Secretary-General John Mnyika had previously declared the party’s intention to boycott the signing, citing unresolved grievances over electoral fairness and integrity.
“It should be understood that the person with the authority to sign the election code of conduct on behalf of a political party is the secretary-general,” Mnyika stated on his verified X account.
“I will not be present at the meeting scheduled for April 12, 2025... #NoReformsNoElection.”
In response to Chadema’s absence, Kailima emphasised that the party had been invited and contacted well in advance.
“They were aware of the event. It was their decision not to participate,” he said.
Chadema has maintained that it will not participate in any election without substantial reforms to the country’s electoral laws and processes.
The party has raised concerns over previous incidents of violence against its candidates, disqualifications during local elections, and the alleged use of excessive force by authorities.
When pressed about these concerns, Kailima responded, “INEC’s role is to implement electoral laws—not to make them. Any grievances should be directed to the appropriate legal and legislative channels.”
Political parties that signed the code include CCM, ACT-Wazalendo, CUF, CHAUMMA, TLP, NCCR-Mageuzi, and others.
The code of ethics, required under the 2024 Presidential, Parliamentary and Councillor Elections Act, outlines acceptable conduct during the campaign period and polling day. It also establishes enforcement mechanisms and penalties for violations.
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