Tanzanian Information Minister Dismissed For ‘Joking’ He Does Not Mind Rigging Elections

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has dismissed Information Minister Nape Nnauye following remarks he made suggesting the potential for election rigging. The comments, made during a political rally in Bukoba on July 15, 2024, caused significant backlash and led to Nnauye’s removal from office on Monday.

In the controversial video, Nnauye stated he would assist a fellow ruling party MP in the 2025 election through various methods, including “legal, half-legal, and illegal” ones. He claimed that election results are not necessarily those in the ballot box but depend on the person counting and announcing the results.

“Because I’m good at election tricks, I will assist to emerge victorious. There are various methods to ensure a win – ‘legal, half legal and illegal’. All of them could be used provided after the conclusion you seek God’s forgiveness.”

Despite attempting to downplay his remarks as a joke, the response was swift and severe. Opposition parties and civil society groups condemned his statements as undermining the integrity of Tanzania’s electoral process. In his apology, Nnauye insisted he regretted any misunderstanding his comments might have caused.

“I have seen the online debate, but as I mentioned, the remarks were meant as a joke. Unfortunately, it has sparked a lengthy discussion, especially as we approach elections. I sympathise with those who have been unsettled by this debate. I apologise and emphasise that it was not intended to be taken seriously,” Mr. Nnauye added.

President Hassan acted by swiftly removing Nnauye from his position. The cabinet reshuffle also saw the replacement of Foreign Minister January Makamba with Tanzania’s ambassador to Italy, Mahmoud Thabiti Kombo.

Nnauye’s comments were not an isolated incident. He had previously faced criticism during the 2015 elections for suggesting that the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party would win by any means necessary. CCM, which has governed Tanzania since 1977, has faced allegations of election fraud and state repression, though the electoral commission denies any rigging.

With the removal of Nnauye, former land and housing minister Jerry Slaa has been appointed as the new Information Minister.

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