Dar es Salaam. The Registrar of Political Parties said he is conducting a detailed assessment before issuing a decision on responses submitted by the ruling CCM and the opposition Chadema regarding separate hate speech allegations.
CCM and Chadema have at different times been accused of issuing statements through their leaders that allegedly incite hatred and social division contrary to the Political Parties Act 2019 and its regulations.
The allegations prompted the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPPs) to issue letters demanding explanations from the two parties within a specified timeframe.
In Chadema’s case, the Registrar also sought an explanation as to why the party’s registration should not be suspended over the allegations made.
On May 19, 2026, Chadema submitted its response to a registrar’s letter referenced HA.322/362/16A/22 dated May 7, 2026.
In its submission, which contained 50 arguments, the opposition party denied all allegations made against it.
Chadema further argued that even if constitutional violations had occurred, allegations amounting to criminal offences could only be determined by a court of law and not by the ORPPs.
“Our party has not violated the Political Parties Act as alleged. What took place was the exercise of political and constitutional rights guaranteed under the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania,” part of Chadema’s response stated.
CCM, on its part, submitted its explanation on May 21, 2026, responding to the registrar’s request for clarification over remarks made by the chairperson of the party’s women’s wing (UWT), Ms Mary Chatanda.
The remarks triggered widespread public debate after Ms Chatanda stated that if she were given authority to lead the country even for one minute, she would not want to see individuals she accused of being used by foreign countries continue to exist.
“I say this, if I were given this country even for one minute! Mama Samia, I do not know whether those people would still be alive. They have taken advantage of our beloved sister Dr Samia because she is calm, humble, and listens to people,” Ms Chatanda said on May 18, 2026, while campaigning in the Isimani parliamentary by-election in Iringa Region.
Speaking to The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi on Sunday, May 24, 2026, Assistant Registrar of Political Parties, Mr Sisty Nyahoza, said the office had received and reviewed responses from both CCM and Chadema, but the assessment process was still ongoing before any decision could be reached.
“We have received letters from both CCM and Chadema, and we have reviewed them. We are continuing to work on the matter and are not rushing to issue responses because the assessment process is still underway before reaching a decision,” said Mr Nyahoza.
He said the office could not specify when a final decision would be issued because additional time was still required to carefully examine the arguments and allegations presented by both parties.
“We may decide to summon them again for further discussions or hearings, depending on how the assessment progresses. The Registrar’s Office has the authority to summon the concerned parties if it deems further clarification necessary,” he said.
Mr Nyahoza added that if the explanations submitted by the parties sufficiently address all issues raised, the registrar’s office would issue its official position in accordance with established legal procedures.
Commenting on the matter, the executive director of the Centre for Good Governance and Development (CEGODETA), Mre Thomas Ngawaiya, said the registrar should make his determination strictly in line with the Political Parties Act.
“If the allegations are proven to be true, then in his decision he should avoid any form of bias and instead follow the law, which applies equally to CCM, Chadema and all other registered political parties,” he said.
Mr Ngawaiya said the registrar’s decision would only command public confidence if it is grounded in the law and does not appear to favour either side, warning that any perception of partiality could trigger widespread public concern and criticism.
