Tanzania’s resigning vice president expelled from the governing party, deepening test to democracy

Tanzania's governing party, the Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has expelled Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi following his resignation last week. The party's decision to remove Nchimbi for disciplinary reasons will further challenge Tanzania's reputation as a stable and peaceful nation in East Africa. The expulsion comes as retaliation and is seen as part of the fallout from President Samia Suluhu Hassan's contentious election in October, when security forces quelled riots over the disqualification of her main political rivals.

Hassan's main rival, Tundu Lissu, is currently jailed on treason charges he claims are politically motivated. Nchimbi stated that his resignation will take effect on September 4th and that he will remain a "good citizen" in his country. The move has shocked many Tanzanians, as stability is highly valued under the one-party rule of CCM.

Post-election investigations revealed that 518 people were killed during the violence, though the actual death toll may be higher according to the commission's report. CCM has ruled Tanzania since gaining independence from Britain in 1961, maintaining the country's image of political stability and relative peace, which has bolstered its popularity among voters, particularly in rural areas.