Tanzania: General Elections Including Presidency, Parliament, and Local Councils

SadaNews - Voters in Tanzania are heading to the polls today, Wednesday, October 29, for general elections that include the presidency, parliament, and local councils.

This election is widely viewed as a crucial test of the legitimacy of the current president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, and her ruling party, "Chama cha Mapinduzi," which has dominated the political scene since the country gained independence in 1961.

The Attorney General's Office has confirmed that the general elections are fully in line with the constitution and laws of the country.

In a statement on Tuesday, Attorney General Hamza Johari said, "The five-year term as stipulated by the constitution has ended, therefore the elections scheduled for today are constitutional."

Johari added that all candidates for the presidency, parliament, and local council seats across the country have been approved in accordance with the law, making these elections legitimate.

President Samia (the first woman to hold this position in Tanzania's history) is contesting the elections seeking a new term after assuming power in March 2021 following the death of former President John Magufuli.

During her tenure, she has adopted a conciliatory rhetoric toward the opposition and implemented partial reforms in media and civil activities laws, but observers believe these steps have not translated into genuine political openness.

The elections come amid the absence of key opposition parties, primarily the Chadema party, after its candidates were excluded from the race and its leader Tundu Lissu was arrested on charges of "inciting unrest," which has drawn criticism from international human rights organizations that insist the political climate does not guarantee free and fair elections.

According to the National Independent Electoral Commission, more than 37 million registered voters will cast their ballots at over 20,000 polling stations inside and outside the country, amidst heightened security measures.

Additionally, more than 100 local and international organizations have been accredited to monitor the electoral process, despite restrictions on the movement of some foreign observers.

Media reports suggest that the ruling party has strong chances of winning, given the weak competition and the lack of viable political alternatives, raising questions about the future of political pluralism in the country.

This is the first election held under the legal amendments approved in 2024, which included the electoral law and the law governing the independent body, in an attempt to improve transparency and enhance voter confidence.