Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – Wednesday, October 29, 2025: Tanzanians went to the polls on Wednesday in a presidential election expected to hand President Samia Suluhu Hassan another term. The vote proceeded without the participation of the two leading opposition parties after their candidates were disqualified earlier this year.
Key Opposition Figures Blocked from Race
In addition to the presidential election, citizens are electing members of the country’s 400-seat parliament and representatives in the semi-autonomous Zanzibar archipelago. However, the absence of major opposition leaders has fueled accusations of an uneven race.
The electoral commission barred CHADEMA, the main opposition party, in April after it refused to sign an electoral code of conduct. Its leader, Tundu Lissu, is currently on trial for treason — charges he has denied. The commission also disqualified Luhaga Mpina, the presidential candidate for ACT-Wazalendo, following an objection from the attorney general. This decision left only minor parties contesting President Hassan.
“There is no election in Tanzania. If I may sum up properly, it is a coronation,” said Deogratius Munishi, CHADEMA’s secretary for foreign affairs, during an interview with Citizen Television in neighboring Kenya.
Low Turnout and Peaceful Voting
Early turnout appeared light in Dar es Salaam, though polling stations reported calm proceedings. While some activists had called for protests on social media, there were no major demonstrations.
President Hassan urged citizens to come out and vote. “I encourage all Tanzanians to exercise their right and choose their preferred leaders,” she said after casting her ballot in Dodoma.
Businessperson Juma Mtali described the voting process as smooth. “This election came with pressure from the youth about protests, but it is very peaceful,” he told Reuters.
Results Expected Within Three Days
The electoral commission announced that official results will be released within three days. Polls opened at 7 a.m. local time and closed at 4 p.m. Hassan’s campaign posters dominated towns and villages, highlighting her track record in infrastructure, energy, and education.
Her ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has maintained political dominance since 1977. Hassan has pledged to expand road and railway networks, boost power generation, and hire more teachers if re-elected.
Rights Concerns and Abduction Allegations
While President Hassan initially earned praise for easing restrictions on political opponents after succeeding the late John Magufuli in 2021, rights groups say repression has returned.
Last week, Amnesty International accused authorities of silencing dissent and harassing critics. The government has denied the claims, insisting the election is fair and lawful.
In 2024, Hassan ordered an investigation into reports of abductions of opposition figures. However, no findings have been made public. The President, one of only two female heads of state in Africa, maintains that her administration respects human rights and due process.
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