Tanzania’s Office of the Registrar of Political Parties has again moved against the opposition party Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), demanding an explanation over what it describes as repeated insults, abusive language, and incitement allegedly made by senior party leaders during recent public rallies.
In an official letter dated May 26, 2026, and signed by Deputy Registrar Sisty Nyahoza on behalf of the Registrar, the office ordered the opposition party to explain why its registration should not be suspended or why it should not face heavy legal penalties.
The letter gives Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) until June 8 at 9:30 PM to submit its defense before possible disciplinary action is taken.
The latest warning deepens an already tense relationship between the Registrar’s Office and the country’s main opposition party, months after an earlier attempt to sanction CHADEMA was temporarily stopped by the courts.
In that earlier dispute, the Registrar had issued warnings linked to public political activities and statements by opposition figures, but the court intervened and restrained the office from taking immediate punitive action while legal proceedings continued.
The new letter references several videos circulating on social media involving senior CHADEMA officials and regional leaders.
One of those cited is CHADEMA Nyasa Zone chairman Joseph Mbilinyi, popularly known as Sugu, who is accused of using insulting and provocative language against fellow politicians during a public rally.
The Registrar argues the remarks violated sections of Tanzania’s Political Parties Act and regulations governing public political gatherings.
Another leader mentioned is Northern Zone chairman Samweli Welwel, who is accused of encouraging supporters not to fear police during political mobilization activities.
According to the letter, Welwel referenced previous election unrest while telling supporters: “Let us continue moving forward… do not fear the police, the police cannot stop us.”
Former Arusha MP and CHADEMA Central Committee member Godbless Lema was also accused of making insulting remarks toward government leaders during a political gathering.
The Registrar’s Office says the statements amount to serious violations of the Political Parties Act, Chapter 258 Revised Edition of 2023, as well as the 2023 regulations coordinating political rallies and public meetings.
Under amendments introduced through Law No. 3 of 2024, authorities now have expanded powers to suspend political parties, impose major fines, or restrict public political gatherings if parties are found to be violating political conduct regulations.
The office concluded its warning by calling on CHADEMA to respect Tanzania’s 1977 Constitution and laws governing political competition.
The new confrontation comes at a politically sensitive moment as tensions continue rising between the government and opposition parties ahead of Tanzania’s next electoral cycle.
CHADEMA has repeatedly accused authorities of using legal and administrative institutions to suppress opposition politics, while government officials insist the laws are necessary to preserve public order, national unity, and responsible political conduct.
The party had not yet publicly issued a detailed response to the latest letter by Thursday evening.
