TANZANIA’S President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has officially filed her candidacy for the 2025 general election, marking the start of a contentious political season. On August 9, 2025, she submitted her nomination papers as the sole candidate for Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), signalling her first attempt to secure a full term after ascending to the presidency in March 2021, following the sudden death of President John Magufuli.
The nomination window for political parties, which opened on August 9 and closes on August 27, has already seen several parties, including ACT-Wazalendo, CHAUMMA, and NCCR-Mageuzi, submit their forms. However, the absence of the main opposition party, CHADEMA, has raised serious concerns about the election’s fairness and legitimacy. CHADEMA was barred from contesting in the 2025 race after failing to sign the mandatory electoral code of conduct by the April 2025 deadline, effectively disqualifying them until 2030.
CCM’s unity behind Samia’s candidacy
The decision to back Samia as the sole candidate reflects the internal cohesion of CCM and her strengthening grip on power within the party. In January 2025, Emmanuel Nchimbi was appointed as her running mate, a choice designed to balance political experience with regional representation.
Samia’s candidacy represents a historic moment for Tanzania and East Africa, as no other country in the region has had a female president contest a general election independently. While this is a significant step forward for gender representation, the political context in which her bid is unfolding has prompted criticism due to limited competition.
CHADEMA’s disqualification shifts the political landscape
The absence of CHADEMA, led by Tundu Lissu, who is currently on trial for treason, has caused a shift in the dynamics of the 2025 election. With CHADEMA’s disqualification, the race has been left to smaller opposition parties, such as ACT-Wazalendo, which has strong support in Zanzibar, and CHAUMMA, which has urban backing. These parties, however, lack the organisational reach of CHADEMA, leaving CCM with a structural advantage.
The disqualification has sparked concerns among analysts, who argue that the lack of a significant opposition could undermine the legitimacy of the election. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and East African Community (EAC) election observer missions have already come under scrutiny, with doubts about their ability to monitor the process effectively.
Human rights concerns continue under Samia’s leadership
Since assuming office, Samia has been praised for reversing many of Magufuli’s hardline policies, reopening the media space, freeing detained activists, and restoring Tanzania’s relations with international partners. However, her presidency has also seen a rise in politically motivated detentions, disappearances, and alleged human rights abuses. Over 70 cases of abductions have been reported, some involving security personnel, raising concerns about the state of human rights in Tanzania.
International human rights organisations have faced significant obstacles when trying to observe opposition trials, with some activists being denied entry into the country. These developments have prompted calls for greater transparency and accountability within Tanzania’s security forces.
CCM’s election dominance and campaign machinery
CCM remains the dominant political force in Tanzania, with a robust organisational structure and widespread grassroots support. In May 2025, the party unveiled its 2025–2030 manifesto, prioritising infrastructure, agriculture, and industrialisation. With its presence in every district across the country, CCM has the resources to run a far-reaching campaign. Towns and villages have already been saturated with campaign materials, rallies, and branded merchandise.
For Samia, a decisive victory in the October 2025 election would strengthen her domestic position and reinforce Tanzania’s diplomatic standing internationally. The country is actively courting investment from both Western nations and China, and Samia’s leadership will continue to play a crucial role in securing foreign partnerships.
Election’s legitimacy will depend on public perception
Despite CCM’s strong political machinery, the legitimacy of the 2025 election will depend largely on public perception. Key factors, including voter turnout, the conduct of security forces, and the treatment of smaller opposition parties, will be critical indicators of the election’s fairness. While Samia is poised to secure re-election, the true test will be whether Tanzanians believe the process is transparent and representative.
A complex and controversial election
The filing of Samia Suluhu Hassan’s candidacy marks the beginning of an election cycle that will test Tanzania’s political stability and the strength of its democratic institutions. With CCM’s overwhelming political dominance and the absence of the main opposition party, the election promises to be a historic moment for gender representation in African politics, but also a controversial one. How the election is conducted, and whether it is perceived as fair, will shape Tanzania’s political future for years to come.
