Four parties in Tanzania sue government at EA Court Over Political Parties Act

Recent amendments to the political parties’ act no1 have caused outrage amongst opposition parties in Tanzania. The amended act, which was signed by President John Magafuli on February 13th, 2019 has created mass public debate and led to four opposition parties suing the government at the East African Court of Justice (EACJ).

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, the chairman of Chadema, Freeman Mbowe, said that their submission had been registered with the EACJ.

The basis of the case is that the new act was enacted by changing and adding some sections which are against the basis of establishing the East African Community. Mbowe claims that the law criminalises democracy in Tanzania and that it was passed by force despite obviously disagreement from political stakeholders.

“Apart from violating human rights, the act also is against the constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania of 1977 and its amendments as well as the basics of good governance and international conventions of which Tanzania is a signatory.