Demonstrations erupted in several parts of Tanzania shortly after the country headed into general elections on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, with key opposition leaders barred from contesting against the incumbent president, Samia Suluhu, who is seeking to retain her seat.

Images circulating online show civilians chasing away the police on major roads as some parts of the country registered low turnout amid Tanzania facing the greatest threats to democracy in recent years.

PAD calls out Suluhu

Meanwhile, the Platform for African Democrats (PAD) has expressed deep concern over the safety and well-being of Tanzanian opposition leaders Tundu Lissu and John Heche, calling for their immediate and unconditional release.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, PAD condemned what it termed as the ongoing repression of democratic voices in Tanzania ahead of the country’s general elections scheduled for Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

John Heche, the Deputy Chairman of Tanzania’s main opposition party, CHADEMA, was reportedly arrested on October 22, 2025, with his whereabouts and condition remaining unknown. PAD raised alarm over his disappearance, stating that it indicates possible ill-treatment and denial of due process by Tanzanian authorities.

“We call on authorities to demonstrate publicly that Heche is being treated humanely, with respect and dignity,” the statement read, further urging authorities to disclose the reasons for his detention and allow him access to legal counsel and family.

Tundu Lissu, CHADEMA’s Chairman and a long-time critic of the ruling government, has been in custody since April 9, 2025. He faces charges of treason and publishing false information—accusations widely viewed as politically motivated. PAD condemned the charges as a “dangerous weaponisation of the law” meant to stifle dissent.

“The Platform for African Democrats calls on Tanzanian authorities to ensure Lissu’s safety and well-being while imprisoned,” the statement emphasised, urging the High Court to uphold the rule of law and deliver justice in his ongoing treason trial.

Action against state prosecution

The organisation has also criticised the state prosecution, describing the evidence against Lissu as “spurious” and warning that any politically influenced judgment would undermine Tanzania’s judicial credibility. The organisation has also urged regional and international bodies, including the African Union, Southern African Development Community, and East African Community, to hold Tanzanian authorities accountable for what it termed as a failure to guarantee free and fair elections.

The group has also highlighted a pattern of abductions and intimidation targeting government critics. Among those mentioned was Ambassador Humphrey Polepole, whose whereabouts have been unknown since his alleged abduction on October 6, 2025.

PAD has expressed disappointment that Tanzanian citizens have been “denied any credible alternative for president” by the Independent National Electoral Commission, calling on President Samia Hassan Suluhu’s administration to safeguard freedom of expression and release all unlawfully detained individuals.

“Justice for Tundu Lissu and John Heche is justice for all who believe in democracy,” PAD concluded. “Let us not be silent when voices for freedom are silenced.”