Tanzania has made headlines by abruptly canceling its independence day celebrations, originally set for next month. This decision, announced by Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba, comes in the wake of widespread outrage over mass killings linked to the recent elections. Rather than celebrating freedom, the government has opted to redirect funds for festivities on December 9 to repair damaged infrastructure. 

The cancellation has been driven by intense pressure from opposition groups and civil society who are urging citizens to gather on independence day to protest the violence stemming from the controversial general election held on October 29. President Samia Suluhu Hassan's declaration of victory with an astonishing 98% of the vote has been met with skepticism and accusations of electoral fraud from opposition parties. They have boldly labeled the results as "completely fabricated." It's hard to believe anything coming from a system where the opposition is systematically silenced.

Throughout the election cycle, Hassan's major rivals were not just sidelined; they faced imprisonment and disqualification. Tundu Lissu, leader of the Chadema party, remains in detention on treason charges, while Luhaga Mpina of the ACT-Wazalendo party was turned away on technical grounds. Such blatant manipulation of the electoral process raises serious questions about the integrity of democracy in Tanzania.

The aftermath of the election saw thousands of Tanzanians flood the streets in protest of what they deemed an unfair outcome. The government's response was anything but peaceful, as authorities launched a brutal crackdown on demonstrators. Human rights organizations have seized the opportunity to condemn these actions, branding the government's response as “violent” and “repressive.”

While the opposition claims that hundreds lost their lives during these protests, the government has conveniently failed to provide an official death toll. In a vague attempt at accountability, authorities have set up a commission of inquiry to investigate the election and the ensuing violence. However, this move is met with skepticism from opposition leaders who doubt the commission's independence and impartiality.

In his official address, Prime Minister Nchemba urged Tanzanians to avoid violence and seek "constructive political dialogue." He implores citizens to unite and discuss pressing issues rather than return to the chaos. 

The cancellation of independence day celebrations marks a pivotal moment in Tanzania's tumultuous political landscape. As the nation grapples with the fallout of an election shrouded in controversy, the call for dialogue and reconciliation rings hollow amidst the deep divisions and unrest that have come to define this chapter in Tanzanian history. The world watches as the nation faces a true test of its democratic values.