2025 General Election takes centre stage in Lissu treason hearing
The treason trial of Chadema chairman Tundu Lissu in Tanzania has shifted focus to the credibility of the 2025 General Election. Defense witnesses are citing reports from international observer missions to argue that the election lacked democratic legitimacy.
Why it matters
The trial highlights ongoing tensions regarding democratic processes and the rule of law in Tanzania.
Dar es Salaam. The conduct and outcome of Tanzania’s 2025 General Election have featured prominently in the treason trial of Chadema chairman Tundu Lisasu, with a defence witness citing reports by regional and international election observer missions to question the credibility of the poll.
The issue was raised by the third defence witness who is also Chadema Deputy Secretary-General for Mainland Tanzania, Mr Aman Golugwa. Mr Golugwa began discussing the election in his testimony on Wednesday and continued on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
Mr Golugwa, who was led in evidence by Mr Lissu, referred to reports by election observers from the African Union (AU), Southern African Development Community (SADC), European Union (EU), Commonwealth and the Thabo Mbeki Foundation.
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