Dar es Salaam. Retired Prime Minister and Judge Joseph Warioba has issued a stern warning about Tanzania’s political climate, saying the upcoming 2025 General Election could test the nation’s stability.
Speaking during a meeting with journalists yesterday, he expressed concern over persistent flaws in electoral processes, citing the disqualification of opposition candidates and the role of election supervisors as critical issues.
“The electoral process should not disrupt the country’s peace,” Judge Warioba said. “The current situation requires urgent solutions. If these trends continue, we risk jeopardising our stability.”
His caution is rooted in the controversies surrounding Tanzania’s recent civic polls. The local government elections on November 27, 2024, left opposition parties frustrated. Hundreds of their candidates were disqualified, sparking accusations of political bias.
The government defended its actions, with the President’s Office for Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG) urging aggrieved parties to lodge complaints. Yet, for many, the damage was done.
“It’s hard to convince people that thousands of candidates were at fault,” he remarked. “Believing that would be absurd.”
His comments reflect a broader discontent among opposition parties. The 2020 General Election also faced criticism for alleged irregularities and a lack of fair competition. Judge Warioba’s warning is a call to action, urging Tanzania to address these issues before they escalate.
Tanzania has long been considered a haven of peace in East Africa. Yet, he fears this reputation is at risk. He points to the politicisation of institutions like the police force as a growing concern.
“The police should protect citizens and their property,” he said. “Instead, we have turned it into a political tool. This is very dangerous.”
Judge Warioba also criticised the involvement of security forces in political matters, warning that it could erode trust in key institutions.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has made efforts to address these challenges. Her 4Rs initiative—Reconciliation, Resiliency, Reforms, and Rebuild—aims to create a level playing field. Notably, the initiative lifted a ban on political rallies that had been in place for over five years.
These reforms have been widely praised. A political analyst, Mr Frank Kitila, told The Citizen, the 4Rs are “a step in the right direction,” adding, “The President has shown commitment to building trust across political divides.”
However, Mr Kitila noted that systemic issues remain. “The electoral commission and election supervisors have faced criticism for bias,” he said. “Addressing these concerns is crucial for the credibility of the 2025 elections.” Judge Warioba’s concerns also centre on the Independent National Electoral Commission (NEC), which will oversee the 2025 elections. Despite legislative amendments, he sees little indication of significant changes within the commission.
“The same commission that oversaw the 2020 elections remains in place,” he said. “Without reforms, we cannot expect different results.”
This sentiment is shared by many Tanzanians, who worry that unresolved issues could undermine the democratic process.
The 2025 General Election is more than a political contest—it’s a test of Tanzania’s democratic maturity. A fair and transparent process is essential to maintain the country’s peace and stability.
The retired premier’s plea is a timely reminder of what’s at stake. “Peace is a critical asset,” he said. “We must first acknowledge the problems, then take steps to resolve them.”
For opposition parties, the stakes are equally high. The local government elections saw the ruling CCM secure 95 percent of the vote, further fuelling concerns about political bias.
Political analyst Amina Sanga emphasised the need for dialogue. “We need to rebuild trust between stakeholders,” she said. “That includes revisiting the role of election supervisors and ensuring transparency.”
The former premier, too, believes dialogue is key. He commended President Hassan’s reconciliation efforts but urged more decisive action. “Reconciliation is important,” he said. “But we also need reforms that guarantee fairness.”
Tanzania’s elections have historically been peaceful, but the cracks are beginning to show. As the 2025 General Election approaches, the country faces a choice: address these challenges or risk jeopardising its peace, as stated by him.
The judge’s warning is not just a critique—it’s a call to protect the nation’s most cherished asset. For Tanzania, the road to 2025 is a chance to reaffirm its commitment to democracy and unity. The question is whether it will rise to the occasion.
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