Tanzania’s ruling party, Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM), looks set to extend its 64-year rule as the country heads into a general election on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. The polls are widely expected to hand victory to President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who took office in 2021 following the death of her predecessor, the late John Pombe Magufuli.
Although Tanzania operates under a multiparty system, CCM the Party of the Revolution has dominated the nation’s political landscape since independence from Britain in 1961. The country’s one-party legacy remains deeply entrenched, with critics describing its democracy as symbolic rather than competitive.
An Election Under Tight Control
With a population of over 68 million and an annual per capita income of roughly Ksh54,980, Tanzania stands out in a region where liberation movements are losing ground to youthful, reform-minded opposition forces. However, the pre-election environment has been marred by reports of intimidation and suppression of dissent.
According to Amnesty International, authorities have intensified a “climate of fear,” targeting opposition figures, journalists, and civic groups ahead of the polls to elect a president, members of parliament, and local leaders.
Despite initial hopes that President Hassan would chart a more open path than her predecessor, critics argue that her administration has continued to tighten political space.
Opposition Silenced and Disqualified
Out of 17 presidential contenders, Hassan faces no major challenger after the disqualification and detention of key opposition leaders. Tundu Lissu, the charismatic Chadema politician who survived an assassination attempt in 2017 and lived in exile, has been jailed on treason charges, which he claims are politically motivated. His deputy, John Heche, was also arrested while attending Lissu’s trial.
Another prominent opposition figure, Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, has been barred from running, further weakening the competition.
As opposition leaders languish in custody, Hassan has been crisscrossing the country, pledging stability, economic growth, and dignity for workers, particularly in the agricultural sector. Her campaign emphasizes continuity and national unity under CCM’s “work and dignity” slogan.
A One-Party Stronghold
CCM, which maintains close ties with the Communist Party of China, continues to enjoy widespread loyalty across Tanzania despite a gradual decline in its share of the popular vote. Analysts say the absence of genuine opposition leaves the party virtually unchallenged.
“Voter apathy could be high due to the disqualification of the two main opposition parties,” observed Nicodemus Minde, a Tanzanian researcher with the Institute for Security Studies in South Africa. He warned that the upcoming polls risk entrenching authoritarianism rather than advancing democratic governance.
Concerns Over Peace and Internet Blackouts
The Chadema party has called for peaceful protests on election day, demanding electoral reforms and transparency. However, authorities have warned that any demonstrations will be met with firm action.
Residents in Dar es Salaam and other urban areas have voiced concern over possible unrest, arbitrary arrests, and reports of planned internet restrictions during voting.
“Peace must prevail for the election to run smoothly,” said Joshua Gerald, a resident of Dar es Salaam. “Without peace, there can be fear and people may fail to exercise their democratic rights.”
As Tanzanians prepare to vote, the world watches closely to see whether the election will mark another chapter in CCM’s unbroken dominance or a step toward genuine democratic renewal.
