Renowned Pan-African scholar and lawyer Prof. PLO Lumumba has weighed in on the recent political developments in Tanzania, saying President Samia Suluhu Hassan would still have won the elections even without suppressing opposition voices.
Speaking during a televised interview, Lumumba said, “Samia Suluhu was the favourite to win the elections, and she shouldn’t have locked the opposition, because it has tainted her victory.”
The outspoken professor argued that President Samia’s popularity and achievements during her tenure had already positioned her as the leading candidate. However, the alleged crackdown on opposition leaders and limited political space during the election period have, according to Lumumba, cast a shadow over what could have been a clean and uncontested victory.
Lumumba further emphasized that true democracy is not only about winning elections but also about creating an environment where citizens can freely express their political choices. He noted that allowing fair competition would have strengthened Tanzania’s democratic credentials and enhanced Samia’s legitimacy both locally and internationally.
His remarks have sparked mixed reactions across the region, with some agreeing that the government should embrace political tolerance, while others argue that stability and order were more important during the electoral period.
PLO Lumumba has been a vocal advocate for good governance and democratic integrity across Africa, often calling out leaders who misuse power or undermine institutions. His comments on Tanzania’s political climate come at a time when the country faces growing scrutiny from international observers and human rights groups.
