Tanzanians head to the polls Wednesday in a tense election widely seen as favoring incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan, after key opposition figures were barred from contesting.
Hassan, who took over in 2021 following the sudden death of John Magufuli, seeks her first full term under the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which has dominated Tanzania’s politics since independence in 1961. Sixteen candidates from smaller opposition parties remain on the ballot, but none are viewed as strong challengers.
Rights groups say the political environment is marked by intimidation and repression. Amnesty International described the atmosphere as one of “fear,” citing cases of enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and extrajudicial killings ahead of the polls. “The government’s use of security forces to silence dissent undermines the legitimacy of the election,” the organization said.
READ ALSO: Police arrest top opposition politician days before Tanzania’s election
Hassan’s main challenger, Tundu Lissu of the Chadema party, remains in jail on treason charges after demanding electoral reforms. The second-largest opposition group, ACT-Wazalendo, also had its presidential candidate disqualified from the race.
Campaigning under the slogan “Work and Dignity,” Hassan has promised to boost Tanzania’s agricultural and livestock sectors while pushing her agenda of “Four Rs”: reconciliation, reforms, rebuilding, and resilience.
With over 37 million registered voters, a record in the nation’s history and a 26% increase from 2020, analysts say turnout may still be low due to widespread belief that Hassan’s victory is a foregone conclusion.
“Tanzania is not having an election but drama,” said Martha Karua, a prominent opposition leader from neighboring Kenya.
READ ALSO: Tanzania’s main opposition party risks election ban after treason charges against leader
The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee warned that the arrests and disqualifications “undermine Tanzania’s democracy and could result in the least competitive election since the country embraced multi-party politics in 1992.”
Roland Ebole, a researcher with Amnesty International, told The Associated Press that while Hassan initially earned praise for lifting restrictions on opposition rallies early in her presidency, her government has since “turned toward more repression.”
Simon Mkina, a Tanzanian newspaper founder, expressed concern that the polls could have lasting consequences. “International observers may condemn the process, potentially leading to sanctions or diplomatic isolation,” he said. “Domestically, it risks deepening political divisions and unrest, as citizens feel excluded from genuine representation.”
Chadema has urged its supporters to protest on election day, raising fears of further confrontation in what many observers describe as Tanzania’s most lopsided election in decades.
READ ALSO: Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu charged with treason following rally arrest
