The 2025 Tanzanian general election is scheduled for 29 October 2025, marking another milestone in the country’s multiparty democracy. Tanzanians will vote to elect the President, Members of the National Assembly, and Ward Councillors. With over 37.6 million registered voters, this election comes amid widespread discussions about electoral reforms, opposition restrictions, and transparency under the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.
Background
In 2024, Tanzania’s government enacted new laws—the Presidential, Parliamentary and Councillors’ Elections Act, 2024 and the Independent National Electoral Commission Act. These aimed to enhance transparency and electoral integrity. Proponents argued that the changes would streamline processes, while critics contended they preserved government influence over the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), raising doubts about neutrality and fairness in the 2025 Tanzanian general election.
Electoral System
The President of Tanzania is chosen through a plurality voting system, where the candidate with the most votes wins. Article 39(1) of the 1977 Constitution stipulates that presidential candidates must:
- Be Tanzanian citizens by birth
- Be at least 40 years old
- Belong to a registered political party
- Qualify as Members of Parliament or Zanzibar House Representatives
- Have no tax evasion convictions
These rules ensure alignment with Tanzania’s long-standing political framework, where party loyalty remains central to political participation.
Candidates
In January 2025, the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) nominated incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan as its presidential candidate, with Emmanuel Nchimbi as her running mate. The Independent National Electoral Commission later confirmed 17 presidential candidates. However, major opposition parties faced setbacks:
- Chadema was disqualified for allegedly failing to sign a required code of conduct document.
- Its leader, Tundu Lissu, was arrested on incitement and treason charges after calling for electoral reforms.
- Luhaga Mpina, a defector from CCM to the Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT), was also barred over nomination irregularities.
These events left CCM facing minimal competition, prompting questions about the inclusiveness of the democratic process.
Campaign
The campaign officially began on 28 August 2025. CCM centered its messaging on President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s achievements in education, infrastructure, and governance stability. Opposition participation was limited following Chadema’s and ACT’s exclusion. Reports from Human Rights Watch and other observers pointed to media bias, harassment of opposition figures, and restricted civic space.
Social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and X (Twitter) became central to political messaging and voter mobilization, especially among youth. However, misinformation and unverified political claims spread rapidly online, influencing voter perceptions.
Conduct of the Election
The election process is managed by INEC, which oversees registration, nominations, and logistics. With 37 million registered voters, this election has seen increased use of biometric verification. Despite improvements, civil society organizations noted disparities in voter education and accused the government of partisanship in administration.
Security forces maintained a visible presence across major urban centers, ostensibly to maintain peace. Opposition groups, however, decried this as intimidation, citing harassment of their supporters. The United Nations and African Union urged Tanzania to uphold transparency, rule of law, and peaceful conduct throughout the electoral period.
Observers and Oversight
Unlike previous elections, Tanzania restricted international and regional observation missions. Organizations such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and East African Community (EAC) were not fully accredited. Analysts from the Institute for Security Studies warned that this decision could undermine public trust and limit post-election accountability.
Amnesty International described the situation as “a procedural affair devoid of legitimacy,” citing arbitrary arrests, media suppression, and 83 reported disappearances of opposition members during the campaign period. These developments intensified calls for international scrutiny and democratic reform in Tanzania.
The 2025 Tanzanian general election thus stands as a defining moment in the country’s political evolution. While it reinforces CCM’s dominance, it also underscores the urgent need for credible institutions, freedom of expression, and equal participation in the democratic process.
