On 7 May 2026, the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties issued a letter to CHADEMA, requiring the party to provide an explanation within 13 days as to why legal action should not be taken against it, including suspension of its registration or the imposition of a fine for alleged violations of the Political Parties Act. According to the Registrar, an investigation had identified a number of incidents and statements by party leaders that were alleged to contravene the law. Among the issues cited were remarks by CHADEMA Mainland Vice Chairman John Heche regarding the possibility of organizing nationwide demonstrations to demand the release of the party’s chairman, Tundu Lissu. The Registrar argued that such statements could be interpreted as exerting pressure on the judiciary and could threaten public peace and national security. The letter also cited statements allegedly made by Oliver Kisaka, CHADEMA Chairman for Korogwe District, describing them as inflammatory and capable of inciting political unrest, particularly due to references to the events of 29 October 2025, and the slogan “No Reform, No Election.”
In addition, the Registrar referred to a statement issued by CHADEMA’s Central Committee on 5 May 2026, claiming that parts of its content were defamatory, inflammatory, and disrespectful toward state institutions and government leaders. The statement accused President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the Police Force, and security agencies of human rights violations, excessive use of force, and abuse of power. As a result, CHADEMA was instructed to submit its response to the Registrar’s Office by 20 May 2026, explaining why disciplinary measures should not be taken against the party. The Registrar cited alleged violations of Section 9(2) of the Political Parties Act, which requires political parties to operate in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of the country, as well as Section 19(2)(f), which prohibits the use of abusive, defamatory, retaliatory, or inflammatory language that could lead to a breach of peace or endanger national security.
Furthermore, after CHADEMA stated that it had already responded to the Registrar’s letter, it was reported on 29 May 2026, that another letter dated 26 May 2026 had been issued, requiring CHADEMA to explain why it should not face action for violating the Political Parties Act. In the letter, the Registrar stated that social media videos show CHADEMA’s Nyasa Zone Chairman, Joseph Mbilinyi, using abusive, defamatory, and derogatory language against fellow politicians during a public party meeting. This highlights ongoing tensions around civic space, political pluralism, and public participation in Tanzania. If these tensions continue, they could affect how CSOs, political parties, and state institutions interact, potentially influencing opportunities for dialogue, citizen engagement, and accountability initiatives ahead of future political processes.