On 29 October, President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner of the country’s presidential election with 97.7 per cent of the vote; she was one of three women candidates among the 17 on the ballot. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission, voter turnout reached nearly 87.0 per cent, up from the disputed 2020 figure of 50 per cent. The main opposition parties, Chadema (Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo) and ACT-Wazalendo, were excluded from the race earlier this year, leaving Hassan to contest against smaller parties. The election proceeded amid a nationwide internet shutdown and heightened security presence. Regional observers, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC), raised concerns over incidents of violence, restrictions on media, the exclusion of key opposition candidates, and limited electoral competitiveness. Tanzanian officials, however, described the vote as peaceful and orderly.

Sources: Independent National Electoral Commission – Tanzania, Southern African Development Community Electoral Observation Mission, Institute for Security Studies – Africa, Africa Confidential, The New York Times, Reuters

Widespread protests broke out across Tanzania following the 29 October general elections, with demonstrators clashing with security forces in cities including Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Mbeya. Police reportedly used tear gas and live ammunition, and protesters set fire to polling stations and government buildings. The government imposed a nationwide internet blackout and curfew, restricting access to information. The United Nations confirmed at least ten deaths, while the main opposition party, Chadema (Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo), claimed over 700 people were killed, and some activists allege the toll could be higher—though these figures remain unverified. Rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, condemned the excessive use of force and called for independent investigations. The protests, described by country experts as unprecedented in scale, reflect rising public anger over repression and the perceived lack of credible political alternatives.

Sources: Africa Confidential, The Africa Report, The Conversation, Human Rights Watch, British Broadcasting Corporation, International Crisis Group

On 27 August, Tanzania’s electoral commission (Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC) barred Luhaga Mpina, presidential nominee of ACT-Wazalendo—the country’s second-largest opposition party—from contesting the 29 October election, citing alleged irregularities in his party’s internal nomination procedure. INEC confirmed 17 presidential candidates, including President Samia Suluhu Hassan, but excluded Mpina. In April, INEC also disqualified Chadema (Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo), the leading opposition party. ACT-Wazalendo has launched a legal challenge, arguing Mpina had completed all procedures lawfully. His disqualification follows his defection from the ruling CCM and highlights growing concerns over the independence of Tanzania’s electoral institutions ahead of a vote now lacking major opposition contenders.

Update: On 11 September, the High Court overturned the electoral commission’s disqualification of Luhaga Mpina, but INEC barred him again four days later, following a complaint by the Attorney General alleging that Mpina had not been properly endorsed by ACT-Wazalendo. Mpina and ACT-Wazalendo have launched a second legal challenge, with hearings due in early October. Mpina’s definitive exclusion would all but ensure a landslide victory for the ruling CCM in the October election, according to political analysts.

Sources: Independent National Electoral Commission (1), Independent National Electoral Commission (2), The Citizen, Reuters, International Crisis Group (1), International IDEA, International Crisis Group (2)

On 4 June, Tanzania’s Information Minister Jerry Silaa confirmed that access to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) had been restricted for its failure to comply with national online content laws, particularly around explicit material. This marks the first official confirmation of the measure, following user reports from 20 May about difficulties accessing the platform. Network data from the Open Observatory of Network Interference (OONI) confirmed that the platform was partially blocked using DNS and TLS interference, with disruptions varying across internet provider; VPN access remained possible. The restriction followed cyberattacks on government accounts and comes months ahead of the October general election. Rights groups warned that the restrictions signal a shrinking online space and may hinder freedom of expression.

Sources: The Citizen, British Broadcasting Corporation, The Associated Press, Business Insider Africa, Business & Human Rights Resource Centre

In April, authorities escalated a crackdown on the main opposition party Chadema (Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo) ahead of the October general elections. On 9 April, police arrested party chair Tundu Lissu after a rally, using tear gas and reportedly live ammunition to disperse supporters. Lissu was charged the next day with treason and publishing false information, accused of intending to incite public obstruction of the elections due to his calls for an electoral boycott. The charge stems from Chadema’s ‘No Reforms, No Election’ campaign and could carry the death penalty. People charged with this offense are not eligible for bail. On 24 April, police blocked access to Lissu’s hearing, arresting at least five senior Chadema members who were later released amid reports of torture. Meanwhile, on 12 April, the electoral commission disqualified Chadema from the upcoming elections, citing its failure to sign the electoral code of conduct. Chadema rejected the decision as unconstitutional and vowed to appeal. 

Sources: The Citizen, Africa Confidential, Human Rights Watch, International Crisis Group, British Broadcast Corporation, Associated Press