The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties in Tanzania is currently carrying out a detailed legal assessment following separate allegations of hate speech involving the ruling party CCM and the opposition party Chadema.

Both political parties were issued official letters requesting explanations after claims that statements made by their leaders could have incited hatred and social division, in possible violation of the Political Parties Act 2019 and its regulations.In the case of Chadema, the Registrar also questioned whether the party’s registration should be suspended due to the seriousness of the allegations.The opposition party submitted its response on May 19, 2026, addressing a letter referenced HA.322/362/16A/22.Chadema strongly denied all accusations, presenting 50 arguments in its defence.

The party argued that any claims involving constitutional or criminal matters must be determined by a court of law rather than the Office of the Registrar.It further maintained that its actions were within constitutional rights of political expression.

For CCM, the party responded on May 21, 2026, addressing remarks made by Ms Mary Chatanda, the chairperson of the party’s women wing (UWT), during campaigning in the Isimani by-election in Iringa Region.

Her comments sparked public concern after she suggested that certain individuals allegedly linked to foreign influence should not continue to exist if she had authority to lead the country, even for a short time.The statement was widely debated and prompted scrutiny from the Registrar.

Assistant Registrar of Political Parties, Mr Sisty Nyahoza, confirmed that both responses had been received and reviewed, but the assessment process is still ongoing.He noted that further clarification or hearings may be requested before a final decision is made.He also emphasised that if the explanations provided are satisfactory, the Registrar will issue an official decision in accordance with the law.

Civil society commentator Mr Thomas Ngawaiya from CEGODETA urged the Registrar to ensure that any decision is strictly guided by the Political Parties Act, warning that public confidence depends on fairness and lack of bias in handling both ruling and opposition parties equally.