Dar es Salaam: Tanzania is on the brink of a significant electoral event as the nation approaches the general election slated for October 29, 2025. This election is noteworthy as current President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who assumed office following the death of President John Magufuli in 2021, is contesting her first presidential race. Hassan, who made history as Tanzania's first female leader, is seeking to solidify her leadership under the banner of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.
According to Deutsche Welle, the electoral landscape in Tanzania is characterized by a first-past-the-post system, where the president and vice president are elected through a simple majority popular vote, serving five-year terms with the possibility of renewal once. This electoral cycle is marked by the absence of candidates from major opposition parties, Chadema and ACT-Wazalendo, who have been barred from participating. This has left Hassan as the only nationally recognized candidate among 17 contenders.
The election comes at a time when Tanzania faces numerous challenges. Despite advancements in infrastructure, such as roads and internet access, disparities remain between rural and urban areas. Voters are concerned about essential services like clean water and reliable electricity, as well as the lack of educational and employment opportunities. The CCM, which has been in power since Tanzania's independence in 1961, faces criticism for not fulfilling its promises.
Tanzania, being East Africa's most populous nation, is experiencing rapid demographic growth. Young voters are becoming increasingly vocal, although voter apathy remains a concern due to perceived suppression by the CCM. The legacy of the CCM as a liberation-era party continues to influence the political climate, with its dominance in previous elections being both a point of pride and contention.
In recent years, President Hassan has been commended for lifting bans on opposition rallies and undertaking reforms to ease political repression. However, allegations of state-sanctioned abductions and arrests of opposition figures and activists have emerged. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have raised alarms about "deepening repression" and "systemic human rights violations," including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
As Tanzania navigates this pivotal electoral period, the outcome will not only determine Hassan's leadership trajectory but also reflect the nation's stance on political freedom and human rights. The international community is closely watching how these dynamics unfold in one of Africa's most influential countries.