The elections in Tanzania are nothing more than a symbolic exercise in futility, a desperate attempt by President Samia Suluhu Hassan to legitimize her stranglehold on power.

The deck has been stacked against the opposition from the beginning, with the ruling party using every trick in the book to crush dissent and deny the people their right to choose their leaders.

The arrest and prosecution of CHADEMA leader Tundu Lissu on trumped-up treason charges is a stark reminder of the lengths to which Suluhu will go to maintain her grip on power.

Lissu’s popularity and potential to win the presidency posed a significant threat to Suluhu’s rule, and the charges against him are clearly designed to eliminate him from the race.

The timing of the charges, just as Tanzanians were about to go to the polls, is a brazen attempt to intimidate and silence the opposition.

It’s a move that has been widely condemned by human rights organizations and observers, who see it for what it is – a blatant attempt to rig the outcome of the election.

But Lissu’s persecution is just the tip of the iceberg.

Suluhu’s regime has been marked by a series of high-profile killings, including bishops who have dared to speak out against her undemocratic tendencies.

The message is clear: anyone who opposes Suluhu will be silenced, one way or another.

The African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) must urgently step in to address the escalating crisis in Tanzania.

Their role as regional bodies dedicated to promoting democracy, human rights, and political stability in Africa compels them to act decisively against the blatant erosion of democratic norms witnessed in these elections.

Failure to intervene risks not only the further entrenchment of authoritarianism in Tanzania but also sets a dangerous precedent for other nations in the region.

The international community should demand transparency, the release of political prisoners like Tundu Lissu, and the establishment of an independent electoral commission to ensure free and fair elections.

Moreover, there should be increased monitoring and observation missions during election periods and swift consequences for any violations of democratic principles.

Civil society within Tanzania also needs support and protection to continue their vital work in holding the government accountable.

Ultimately, without robust regional and international pressure, Tanzania’s democratic institutions will continue to weaken, undermining the will of its people and the future stability of the nation.

The time for complacency has passed; urgent, coordinated action is required to safeguard democracy in Tanzania.

The Maravi Post