Tanzania’s Election Faces Criticism Over Lack of Opposition

Tanzania’s upcoming election has drawn growing criticism from citizens and observers who see it less as a democratic contest and more as a foregone conclusion. With no major opposition candidates cleared to run, many believe President Samia Suluhu Hassan is set for an effortless victory as she seeks her first full term in office.

Samia, who became the country’s first female president after John Magufuli’s death in 2021, initially inspired hope for a new, more open political era. Her leadership style, described as inclusive and conciliatory, led to the launch of her four Rs policy — reconciliation, resilience, reform, and rebuilding. This helped restore Tanzania’s international reputation and attract foreign investment.

However, political analysts say that the atmosphere of openness has steadily eroded. Reports of abductions, suppression of dissent, and increasing state control have made critics question whether Tanzania’s democracy is in decline. Freedom House, a global rights group, recently downgraded Tanzania’s status from “partly free” to “not free,” citing these troubling trends.

The opposition’s exclusion has fueled widespread frustration. The main opposition party, Chadema, is barred from contesting after its leader, Tundu Lissu, was arrested on treason charges. He had been calling for electoral reforms before his detention. Other opposition figures, including John Heche, have also been arrested, leaving smaller parties in the race with little chance of competing against the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.

Political analysts warn that the absence of credible competition undermines the legitimacy of the election. Nicodemus Minde from the Institute for Security Studies noted that the ruling party’s control, combined with institutional bias and weak civic engagement, has diminished public trust in the process.

Many voters have responded with apathy. “We do not have an election without a strong opposition. We already know who will win,” said Dar es Salaam resident Godfrey Lusana, who plans to boycott the vote.

In contrast, the semi-autonomous region of Zanzibar has seen more vibrant campaigning, with CCM’s Hussein Mwinyi facing ACT-Wazalendo’s Othman Masoud. However, on the mainland, President Samia’s dominance remains uncontested.

Her campaign focuses on development and stability, appealing particularly to women and rural voters. Many see her as a symbol of dignity and progress for women in leadership. “She brings dignity, we young women look up to her,” said first-time voter Queen Castoric from Tanga. Yet, some urban voters argue that economic struggles and unemployment remain unaddressed, weakening enthusiasm among the youth.

Tanzania’s younger generation, which makes up the majority of the electorate, expresses mixed feelings. While some credit President Samia for her reforms and efforts to stabilize the economy, others criticize her silence on human rights abuses and corruption.

Within her own party, tensions are simmering. Some CCM members were reportedly unhappy with her unopposed nomination as the party’s presidential candidate. Analysts suggest that she faces internal resistance from powerful networks within the party and business elite, raising concerns that her authority may be compromised.

Observers warn that the growing sense of fear and suppression of free expression could further erode democracy. Public debate has largely shifted to private spaces and social media due to fear of government retaliation.

For activists like lawyer Tito Magoti, the message remains clear: “We want a free Tanzania where anyone has the freedom to speak and act without fear.”

As President Samia prepares for what appears to be an inevitable victory, the question remains whether her administration will prioritize restoring faith in democracy or continue on a path that many Tanzanians believe is silencing it.