Thousands protest in Tanzania as opposition seeks amended electoral reforms
Al Jazeera
The opposition is seeking constitutional reforms and more independence for the electoral commission ahead of the vote.
Thousands of people protested in Tanzania on Wednesday against proposed changes to electoral laws, in the largest public demonstration since the government lifted a ban on opposition political rallies in January 2023.
Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, organised the rally in the main city of Dar es Salaam as lawmakers prepare for next month’s debate on a raft of contentious electoral reforms proposed by the government.
“This is just the beginning,” Chadema leader Freeman Mbowe promised the crowd, adding that protests would spread from Tanzania’s economic capital to other parts of the country until the government responded to its concerns.
He was speaking to supporters who wore the red, white and blue colours of the Chadema party and chanted songs. Protesters carried placards stating their main demands: withdraw controversial electoral bills, address soaring living costs, and ensure independent oversight for the 2024 local government elections.
The march garnered attention from onlookers and residents, symbolising a collective call for change.
