Shock Waves in Tanzania as Analyst Accuses President Samia of Running a ‘Fake Democracy’ Ahead of Election

Tanzania’s political climate has taken a dramatic turn after renowned political analyst David Makali accused President Samia Suluhu Hassan of presiding over what he described as a “fake democracy.”

Makali’s explosive remarks come just days before the country heads to the ballot in a high-stakes general election set for next week.

In his statement, Makali alleged that the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, led by President Suluhu, has continued to clamp down on dissent and silence opposition figures. 

He pointed to the controversial imprisonment of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, claiming it symbolizes the government’s intolerance toward political competition.

“Tanzania today operates like a North Korea-style dictatorship wearing a democratic mask,” Makali wrote in a fiery social media post.

The outspoken analyst went on to predict that President Suluhu and the CCM would declare victory “regardless of what the people vote for,” a statement that has triggered heated debate both online and offline.

His comments have sparked widespread conversation across Tanzanian social media, with many citizens voicing deep concern about the fairness and transparency of the upcoming election process.

Makali further argued that the arrest of Lissu was a strategic move to cripple the opposition and maintain the ruling party’s grip on power.

Human rights observers and democracy watchdogs have in recent years criticized Tanzania for restricting media freedom and suppressing political pluralism, raising alarm about the state of democracy in the country.

Makali warned that the October 29 elections could be manipulated, urging both citizens and international partners to monitor events closely and demand accountability.

He ended his statement with a pointed message to the president, saying:

 “Shame on you, Mama! Yatapita yote tu,” — loosely translated to mean, ‘Everything passes, and history will judge you.’

As the election countdown begins, Tanzanians are left asking one unsettling question — is democracy still alive, or has it become a performance for the cameras?