Tanzania's ACT-Wazalendo files 51 lawsuits over local election results
ACT-Wazalendo's chief attorney, Mr Omar Said Shaaban
What you need to know:
- The cases have been lodged in various district courts across mainland Tanzania and are already in the preliminary stages. The courts have begun issuing summonses to respondents for mentions and responses to the lawsuits.
Dar es Salaam. The opposition ACT-Wazalendo has filed 51 election petitions challenging the results and conduct of the recent local government elections.
The polls, which were held on November 27, 2024, saw the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) win about 99 percent of seats that were up for grabs.
However, ACT-Wazalendo and Chadema protested the results, saying the polls were marred by irregularities right from the drafting of the relevant regulations, registration of voters, nomination of candidates, voting to the announcement of results.
The party’s principal legal counsel, Mr Omar Said Shaaban ACT-Wazalendo, said in a statement yesterday that the elections were marred by irregularities that “distorted” what was supposed to be a legitimate democratic process.
“Cases have been filed in various district courts across mainland Tanzania and the initial stages have already commenced, including court summons being issued to the relevant parties (respondents),” he said.
Mr Shaaban added that districts where the petitions have been lodged include Temeke, Lindi, Ilala, Momba, Mkuranga, Mafia, Kigoma and Kibiti and the party has already assigned lawyers to oversee each case.
“This is a continuation of our commitment to defending democracy and the rights of citizens that were flagrantly violated during the local government elections.
“We firmly believe that what occurred before and on November 27, 2024 was not an election but a distortion of democratic principles,” Mr Shaaban said.
ACT-Wazalendo has urged its members and supporters, as well as proponents of democracy nationwide to attend court hearings in large numbers as the cases progress.
The party has pledged to provide regular updates on the proceedings and reiterated its dedication to pursuing justice and upholding democracy.
“We will continue to fight for the rights of the people at every stage,” Mr Shaaban said.
Tanzanians voted in last year’s elections to elect village, hamlet and street chairpersons.
However, opposition parties strongly criticised the process, alleging widespread irregularities and suppression of dissenting voices.
Last year’s elections saw the ruling CCM facing competition from opposition parties, unlike the 2019 polls that were boycotted by the main opposition Chadema, which accused the government of unfairly disqualifying its candidates.
