Tanzania’s upcoming general elections could “become a procedural affair devoid of legitimacy,” Amnesty International has cautioned, raising alarms over what it describes as a deepening climate of fear and political repression under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration.
In a briefing released ahead of the October 29 polls, the global human rights organization accused the government of intensifying crackdowns on opposition leaders, journalists, and civil society groups. The report highlights a series of politically motivated arrests, restricted political rallies, and enforced disappearances of opposition members.
According to Amnesty, at least 83 opposition supporters have gone missing in recent months, including three activists allegedly abducted by suspected police officers. The group also cited cases of torture, arbitrary detention, and harassment of opposition figures and their supporters.
President Suluhu’s ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party is widely expected to dominate the elections, following the exclusion of key challengers. Opposition leader Luhaga Mpina has been disqualified from contesting for the second time, while Tundu Lissu, the Chadema party candidate, remains on trial for treason. In April, dozens of his supporters were reportedly beaten and dumped in remote areas after being arrested outside court.
Amnesty further noted that opposition rallies continue to face systematic disruption, with authorities imposing restrictions on movement and assembly that undermine fair competition.
President Suluhu, Tanzania’s first female head of state, assumed office in 2021 following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli. While her early tenure was marked by reformist gestures and outreach to the opposition, Amnesty says her administration has since adopted increasingly authoritarian tactics reminiscent of her predecessor’s rule.
The October 29 election will determine Tanzania’s president, members of parliament, and ward councillors — a vote many observers fear may fall short of international standards of transparency and fairness.
