Tanzania Votes in General Elections - What’s at Stake?

On 29 October 2025, Tanzania will hold its general elections to elect the President, members of the National Assembly, and local ward councillors.  The ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), which has held power in one form or another since independence in 1961, is widely expected to extend its long-standing dominance

On paper, the election offers Tanzanians an opportunity to articulate their voices through the ballot, but in practice, the environment presents significant structural hurdles: major opposition figures are barred, leading parties are excluded, and concerns about fairness are widespread.

These dynamics raise fundamental questions about the quality of electoral competition and what the outcome means for governance, legitimacy and long-term national development.

At the centre of the contest is Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania’s first female head of state and the CCM’s candidate. She assumed office in 2021 following the death of her predecessor and now seeks democratic endorsement. However, several of her key opposition rivals are either banned or in detention. For example, Tundu Lissu, a high-profile opposition figure and former challenger, is jailed on treason charges. The main opposition party, Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) was disqualified for failing to sign a required code of conduct.

Thus, while the ballot formally lists multiple contenders (some 16 other presidential hopefuls according to official data), the degree of real competition appears minimal. Analysts suggest that with the two largest opposition parties either excluded or suppressed, the outcome is all but predetermined, raising concerns about the authenticity of voter choice.

A number of critical issues are informing Tanzanian public sentiment ahead of the vote. Economically, Tanzania has performed relatively well compared to some regional peers, with resilient growth, lower external debt risk, and stable inflation often cited. But political freedom and democratic space are seen to be narrowing. Reports of opposition suppression, enforced disappearances, and restricted civic space have raised alarms among human rights groups and democratic watchers.

Voter apathy is another concern. With the outcome viewed as foregone and meaningful competition constrained, many young people and rural voters are disengaged. Some observers warn that low turnout may further erode the election’s legitimacy.  Additionally, the possibility of internet or social media restrictions on election day has been raised, which could dampen transparency and citizen monitoring.

From an international standpoint, the 2025 Tanzanian elections are receiving scrutiny. Organisations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have cautioned that the process risks becoming “procedural” rather than meaningful, pointing to structural biases detrimental to genuine choice. Analysts argue that much of Tanzania’s future development hinges not only on economic indicators but on strengthening accountability and civic space.

In a broader East African and African context, the outcome has ramifications for debates around multi-party democracy, regional stability, and how long-standing ruling parties can adapt to changing demographics and demands.