Tanzania's Supreme Court is expected to deliver a judgment today, Friday, November 6, 2026, in the contempt case against the Chairman of the Party for Democracy and Progress (CHADEMA), Tundu Antipas Lissu.

The judgment is expected to conclude a case that has lasted approximately one year and has attracted a major political, legal, and social debate both inside and outside Tanzania.

The case is being heard by a bench of three judges, led by Judge Dunstan Ndunguru, assisted by Judges James Karayemaha and Ferdinand Kiwonde.

Lissu faces a single contempt allegation under Section 39(2)(d) of the Penal Code of Tanzania.

According to the prosecution, Lissu made statements on April 3, 2025, at CHADEMA's headquarters in Dar es Salaam, which are alleged to have been intended to persuade citizens to prevent the General Election of 2025.

The charges allege that those statements aimed to incite unrest and disrupt the electoral process to pressure political change in the country.

However, Lissu has denied those allegations, emphasizing that the prosecution has failed to prove the contempt allegation against him under the law.

In his defense, Lissu challenged the credibility and legality of some evidence presented by the prosecution's witnesses. He explained that his statements were part of a political movement to defend reforms, the adoption of a new Constitution, a free and fair election, and to strengthen the rule of law in Tanzania.

During the proceedings, the prosecution presented a total of 17 witnesses, while the defense presented five witnesses. Both sides concluded their final arguments on September 29, 2026.

POSSIBLE SENTENCE THAT TUNDU LISSU MAY FACE IF CONVICTED

Among the issues being closely monitored in the case is the penalty that Lissu could receive if the court convicts him.

The statutory provision invoked in the allegation prescribes the death penalty for the offense of contempt.

However, the prosecution has argued that the court has the authority to determine an appropriate penalty considering the circumstances of the case, and that a guilty verdict does not automatically mean the death penalty will be imposed.

For his part, Lissu has emphasized that the provision clearly stipulates the death penalty for that offense.

The court's decision is expected to have a major impact on the political and legal environment in Tanzania, with the case being one of the most closely watched matters in the East African region.

The judgment is also expected to stir the sentiments of democracy advocates, human rights groups, and the rule-of-law community, who have been closely following the case's developments.