African elections often lack a crucial component: an opposition

Tanzania’s President and ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party candidate Samia Suluhu Hassan (C) reacts on stage during a rally to officially launch the party’s campaign in Dar es Salaam.[AFP]

Multiple African presidents are finding ways to block opposition candidates from running against them, turning elections into foregone conclusions  that risk provoking violent unrest and undermining faith in democracy.

Tanzania's elections descended into violence on Wednesday as voters rebelled against the lack of choice, with the two serious rivals to President Samia Suluhu Hassan either jailed or barred from running.