Tanzania's Election Day Tension!

 

A tense atmosphere enveloped Tanzania this Wednesday, October 29, 2025, as the country headed to the polls in a general election overshadowed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan's bid for a second term under the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party. Voting stations opened at 7:00 AM East Africa Time across the archipelago, with long queues forming in Dar es Salaam and Arusha, but the process has already drawn sharp criticism for what many describe as a rubber-stamp race. Hassan's CCM, in power since 1977, faces no formidable opposition, with key rivals jailed or barred from the ballot, leaving only weak contenders to challenge her grip on power. "This is not an election; it's a coronation," a voter in Dar es Salaam said, casting his ballot outside a polling station near the Indian Ocean. The election, held amid Tanzania's economic growth at 5.4% GDP and a population of 67 million, has sparked regional discussions on democratic backsliding.

Hassan, who ascended to the presidency in 2021 following the death of John Magufuli, has positioned her campaign on continuity and stability, promising to build on CCM's legacy of infrastructure development and economic reforms. Her opponents, including the ACT-Wazalendo party’s Freeman Mbowe, jailed since 2021 on treason charges, and Chadema’s Tundu Lissu, barred from running due to residency issues, have been sidelined through legal maneuvers and arrests. The ballot features four candidates, but CCM's dominance, controlling 252 of 384 parliamentary seats, ensures Hassan's path is clear. In Dodoma, a teacher guiding students to a polling station said, "Our choices are limited, but we vote anyway." The election, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of independence, underscores CCM's unchallenged rule. 

Public response has been a blend of resignation and quiet defiance. In Arusha, a shopkeeper sorting goods near a voting center said, "Samia has done well with roads, but we need real choice." The arrests of over 200 opposition figures since 2021, including Mbowe’s detention during a 2021 rally, have stifled dissent, with human rights groups decrying the erosion of freedoms. Hassan's administration, while easing some Magufuli-era restrictions, has faced accusations of selective persecution, with Lissu’s 2020 assassination attempt in Tanzania adding to the narrative of suppressed opposition. A youth leader in Zanzibar, organizing a voter turnout drive, added, "This vote is our voice, even if it's muffled." The process tests democratic resilience. 

The morning’s voting saw diverse reactions. In Morogoro, a mother walking her children to school said, "I voted for change, but who knows if it matters." In Mbeya, a herder tending cattle noted, "CCM has ruled forever; it’s time for others." The election features 11 presidential candidates, but CCM’s machinery—backed by state media and rural outreach—overwhelms rivals. Polls suggest Hassan’s victory with 80% support, though observers question turnout amid apathy. A driver in Dar es Salaam, waiting for passengers, remarked, "The jailed leaders make this unfair." The vote highlights governance challenges. 

As the day unfolded, the story reached rural areas. In Singida, a community elder listening to a radio broadcast said, "We vote, but the outcome is known." In Tanga’s markets, a vendor packing spices asked, "Will Samia keep the economy growing?" The election, with 21 million registered voters, includes parliamentary and local races, with CCM poised to retain dominance. International observers from the African Union and Commonwealth will monitor proceedings, focusing on vote counting on September 1. A shopkeeper in Mwanza, preparing for the vote count, noted, "We hope for fairness, but doubt lingers." The process reflects political continuity. 

The afternoon brought a reflective mood to offices and homes. In Dar es Salaam, a public servant preparing a report said, "This election feels scripted." In Arusha, a mother checking on her family added, "My son’s future depends on change." The barred leaders, including Mbowe’s ongoing trial, have galvanized opposition support, though CCM’s rural base remains solid. Economic gains, like 5.4% GDP growth, bolster Hassan’s case, but critics point to suppressed freedoms. A community organizer in Dodoma, planning a vigil, remarked, "We vote with hope, but fear shadows us." The vote challenges democratic norms. 

Experts see a controlled process. In Nairobi, a regional analyst discussing over tea said, "CCM’s grip is tight, but cracks show." The election’s outcome could influence East African Community dynamics, with Tanzania’s stability key to regional trade. A vendor in Bagamoyo, closing his stall, said, "Let’s hope it’s peaceful." International pressure for reforms has grown, with the EU linking aid to human rights. A father in Lindi, walking home with his family, added, "We deserve better choices." The election marks a political crossroads. 

The day saw continued engagement across the archipelago. In Zanzibar, a group at a market debated the news. "Will opposition rise?" one trader asked, sorting spices. In Dar es Salaam’s cyber cafes, a student scrolling through updates noted, "Social media is alive with calls for fair play." CCM plans a victory rally on September 1, with Hassan urging calm. A youth leader in Iringa, organizing an event, reflected, "This vote is our power." As ballots are cast, its impact will shape Tanzania’s future.