Tanzania Allows Opposition to Run in Local Elections

Authorities in Tanzania have said they will permit a number of opposition figures to run in the local elections that are taking place on 24th November.

The move has reserved a previously criticised decision that saw many of them disqualified due to alleged spelling mistakes and errors on official forms.

Several of the opposition leaders who had been barred, including the largest party Chadema, had said they would boycott the election if the disqualification was not overturned.

The news comes as former Chadema MP and party whip Tundu Lissu, has been warned that he will be killed if he returns back from Belgium.

Tanzania’s best-known opposition figure, Mr Lissu was shot 16 times by unknown assailants outside his home in the capital, Dodoma, and has been recovering in Belgium following 22 operations.

Mr Lissu said foreign diplomats and political colleagues told him “the order is out that I be killed on arrival.

“No one is safe in Tanzania while Magufuli is in power and I pose a significant threat to him.  Multiple local and international contacts have heard of the order out to get me as soon as I return”.

Mr Lissu is, however, unperturbed, and determined to challenge Magufuli in next year’s elections.