The election process of Tanzania faces unprecedented investigation, especially after the arrest of Tundu Lisu, the vocal leader of the main opposition party Chadema (Party for Democracy and Development). His custody on the allegations of treason has ignited a powerful, young -led national debate centered around the party’s provocative slogan: “No reform, no election.”
Debate under political environment
This hot atmosphere saw that the marriage program “Maoni Matani” organizes an open debate at St. Augustine University in Mavaz on the part of the lake Victoria. The event came out in collaboration with local partners Radio Free Africa (RFA) and Star TV.
Topic for this debate – “Click. Like. Vote: Can social media affect your choice during elections?” Given the current political atmosphere, even though time was a coincidence.
“A misunderstanding is that politics is a dirty game,” Edwin Odemba said, one of the four panelists and hosts of “Madani Za Siyasa” (“The World of Politics”). He provoked young dance dance to reject this notion and instead “through his vote, especially in the political process, so that they can involve shaping the reforms that prefer their interests.”
A bent playground
The October general election of Tanzania is taking shape as a one-horse race. The ruling CCM Party – Ever since Tanzania gained independence 60 years ago – expected to face serious challenges.
The Tanzania Election Commission disqualified Tundu Lisu’s Chadema Party from the 2025 President and Parliamentary elections, which cited the party’s failure to sign a compulsory election code of the code of conduct from the required time limit.
This episode of “Maoni Matani” discussion has seen the progress that has made the progress since the previous elections – which demonstrates Granethe discretion by voting based on issues rather than the inspiring strategy of politicians.
“This is not the same as during the previous elections,” Social media now serves as a major source of information and a place where he can share his opinion independently, “said a user on the DW Kiswili’s Facebook channel.
Social media and young votes
“The rise of social media platforms has shifted the control of the story away from the politicians, open the door to the young people to shape and share their stories,” Jaymy African panelist Charles Maganga said, a Dar S Salah-based digital platform that promotes Transparency, digital rights, And civil engagement across Africa.
In Tanzania, young people have criticized not to be particularly in the electoral process – until the promises of their campaign, not to register as voters, failing to fail on their campaign promises, for office subjects.
Meena Sahyog, one of Tanzania’s most prominent affected, said that when you fail to contribute to the electoral process, they have no faults, but the subject.
He said, “Instead of complaining that the policies prepared by the older generation ignore the interests of the young people, take action – the registry to vote, and to run themselves to the office,” she said.
Disappointment and free expression
Despite repeated calls for him to play an active role in the upcoming elections, young people continue to express disappointment – which became clear through their questions during the debate and their comments on social media.
“When you know that your vote will be stolen, what is the matter of putting a ballot?” Asked a dish made Instagram user.
The issue of freedom of speaking in Tanzania came to light during the debate: Can young people really express the content on social media without fear of rebellion independently.
It proved difficult to address the panelists. Nevertheless, for Edwin Odeamba, the answer was clear. Despite the prevailing climate around free expression, he insisted: “It is a patriotic duty for the youth to hear their voice.”
The program was seen in the program at St. Augustine University, in which additional screens were parked out for a watch party. The debate was broadcast live on the DW’s Kiwili Facebook channel, panelist Meena Elli’s Instagram account, Star TV Facebook page, and live on Star TV. Around 311,000 joined or followed in the debate on social media.
