Tanzania will hold general elections on October 29, 2025, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced Saturday, amid growing concerns over democratic space and political repression. The polls will determine the country’s next president, members of parliament, and ward councillors. Candidate nominations will take place between August 9 and 27.
INEC chairman Jacobs Mwambegele, speaking at a meeting of political stakeholders in the capital Dodoma, urged all parties to participate within the confines of the law. “We call upon all election stakeholders to participate in the election and adhere to the laws and regulations,” Mwambegele stated. He revealed that 37.65 million Tanzanians are registered to vote.
However, the upcoming elections are set against a backdrop of controversy and political exclusion. Earlier this year, the electoral commission disqualified the main opposition party, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema), from participating. The move followed Chadema’s refusal to sign the electoral code of conduct, which the party argued needed urgent reforms to ensure free and fair elections.
Chadema’s firebrand leader, Tundu Lissu, was arrested in April and is currently facing treason charges—a crime punishable by death in Tanzania. His detention has sparked widespread condemnation from human rights groups and civil society organizations, who argue that the charges are politically motivated.
The opposition has accused President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration of intensifying a campaign of repression. Chadema claims the government has targeted its members with arrests, enforced disappearances, and even killings, particularly in the lead-up to and aftermath of the 2020 general elections. The party also alleges that numerous opposition candidates were barred from contesting in past elections on technical grounds.
While President Samia has been praised internationally for her attempts at economic reform and diplomatic outreach, critics argue that political freedoms remain severely curtailed under her rule. The disqualification of Chadema and prosecution of Lissu have raised serious concerns about the credibility of the upcoming vote.
As Tanzania moves toward election day, many observers will be watching closely to see whether the process upholds democratic principles or deepens the country’s political divide.
