Tanzanians head to the polls today in a general election that stands as a critical test for the nation’s democracy. The vote, however, is unfolding under a cloud of controversy, with the main opposition party disqualified, a reported “climate of fear,” and concerns over the legitimacy of the process.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan is widely forecast to win a full term in office, which would cement the 64-year uninterrupted rule of the Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party and make her only the third woman to be popularly elected as president in Africa.
A Contested Political Landscape
The election’s credibility has been severely challenged following the disqualification of the primary opposition party, CHADEMA. The party was barred from participating after its leader, Tundu Lissu, was arrested on treason charges and the party refused to sign a state-mandated electoral code of conduct, claiming it was unconstitutional and designed to ensure CCM’s dominance.
Lissu faces non-bailable charges that carry the death penalty, which courts linked to CHADEMA’s “no reforms, no elections” campaign. With the main opposition absent, critics note that the remaining presidential candidates on the ballot have campaigned minimally, with some appearing to endorse President Hassan.
Atmosphere of Intimidation and Restricted Freedoms
International watchdogs have raised alarms about the pre-election environment. Amnesty International described a “climate of fear,” citing a crackdown on opposition figures, civic groups, and journalists. The organization reported that 83 opposition members disappeared during the campaign period.
In the days leading up to the vote, access to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) was reportedly restricted for most citizens, a move critics say stifled online civic engagement. The government has dismissed allegations of misconduct as “unsubstantiated and misleading.”
Scrutiny and Stakes for Democracy
Transparency concerns were further heightened when Tanzania initially limited the accreditation of international election observers. While some regional missions were eventually deployed, analysts warned that restrictions could undermine public confidence in the final results.
The election represents a pivotal moment for a country once seen as a regional democratic beacon. Under President Hassan’s tenure, initial reforms that reversed her predecessor’s authoritarian measures have given way to a more repressive approach. This shift was underscored in 2025 when Freedom House reclassified Tanzania from “Partly Free” to “Not Free.”
As polling stations open for over 37 million registered voters, the world is watching to see if this election will mark a step toward restoring democratic norms or a further consolidation of authoritarian rule.
