Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan is leaving nothing to chance as she heads into Wednesday’s election, especially on her home turf Zanzibar. The island, known for its spices and pristine beaches, was blanketed in the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party’s green and yellow colors under the slogan “Work and Humanity.”
More than 50 billboards featuring the president lined the road from the airport to Stone Town, signaling her determination to secure victory. Despite being the birthplace of “Mama Samia,” the president’s campaign has been marked by an overwhelming display of state power and limited political space for rivals.
An Amnesty International report released this week painted a grim picture of Tanzania’s political climate, citing “a wave of terror” and “systematic human rights violations” targeting opposition figures and critics ahead of the polls.
At her final rally in Stone Town, security was tight, with police stationed across public grounds and a helicopter hovering above. AFP reporters were denied access to the venue despite being accredited to cover the election.
In her address, President Hassan urged Tanzanians to vote peacefully, saying, “Let’s go to the ballot with no fear.” Supporters described her as a “gift from God,” while critics accused her administration of suppressing dissent.
Although 17 other candidates are listed, rights groups say they pose no real challenge. The main opposition party, Chadema, boycotted the election after refusing to sign an electoral code of conduct, while its leader, Tundu Lissu, faces treason charges.
With the CCM never having lost an election in Zanzibar since 1977, many voters feel disillusioned. “There is no democracy. It is a waste of time,” said one taxi driver. Still, Hassan remains confident, vowing to “protect our unity government with all our strength.”
Early voting begins Tuesday, with hopes among Zanzibaris that calm will prevail once the ballots are cast.
