Polling stations opened across Tanzania on Wednesday for a tightly controlled election, overshadowed by reports of intimidation, abductions, and the silencing of opposition voices. Rights groups have condemned what they describe as a “wave of terror” ahead of the vote, with many of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s main rivals either jailed or disqualified.
President Hassan, 65, who assumed office in 2021 following the death of former leader John Magufuli, is seeking to consolidate her authority both nationally and within her ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM). Analysts say the election is as much about asserting her control as it is about maintaining CCM’s decades-long dominance.
Initially praised for relaxing some of Magufuli’s repressive policies and promoting media freedom, Hassan’s government has since drawn criticism for reversing those gains. Opposition groups, civil society organizations, and international watchdogs accuse her administration of using intimidation and violence to secure political compliance.
Tight Race in Zanzibar, Restricted Coverage on Mainland
AFP reporters observed polls opening smoothly in Zanzibar, where analysts expect a more competitive race due to the island’s relatively greater political freedom. However, foreign journalists have been barred from accessing the mainland, raising concerns over transparency.
A recent Amnesty International report documented “enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings” targeting opposition figures and activists. Similarly, Human Rights Watch accused Tanzanian authorities of stifling dissent, curbing media freedoms, and undermining the independence of the electoral commission.
Opposition Silenced, Party Defections Punished
The main opposition leader, Tundu Lissu of the Chadema Party, remains on trial for treason a charge that could carry the death penalty while his party has been barred from contesting the polls. Another prominent candidate, Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, was disqualified over technicalities, effectively leaving Hassan with little serious competition.
Reports have also emerged of intimidation within CCM ranks. Humphrey Polepole, a former party spokesperson and ambassador to Cuba, went missing earlier this month after publicly criticizing Hassan. His family later discovered bloodstains at his residence.
The Tanganyika Law Society says at least 83 people have been abducted since Hassan assumed office, with 20 more cases reported in the past few weeks.
“The New Normal”
Analysts warn that Tanzania’s current political environment mirrors the repressive style of Magufuli’s tenure. “We thought 2020 was an abnormality,” said one political expert in Dar es Salaam, speaking anonymously. “My worry is that this is the new normal.”
Despite the tense political climate, widespread protests remain unlikely, largely due to Tanzania’s resilient economy, which grew by 5.5% in 2024, driven by agriculture, tourism, and mining.
President Hassan has promised major infrastructure projects and universal health insurance to appeal to voters, while security forces remain on high alert. Police announced the arrest of 17 people in Kagera region over alleged plans to disrupt voting.
“There will be no threat to national security on election day,” Hassan said during a recent rally. “Those who failed to participate in the competition should not seek to disrupt our election.”
