Tanzania's First Female President Faces Limited Opposition in Historic Election

Tue Oct 28 2025 16:31:51 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As President Samia Suluhu Hassan prepares for Tanzania's presidential election, the political landscape raises concerns about democratic processes and opposition participation in the election.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania's first female leader, is gearing up for her first presidential election amid claims of an uncompetitive political environment. With main opposition figures barred from running and the ruling party maintaining tight control, many view the upcoming vote as a mere formality. Critics point to an increase in political repression and reduced civic space under her administration, contrasting her initial reforms aimed at opening up the country.

With no heavyweight opposition candidates cleared to compete in Wednesday's election, many Tanzanians feel the vote is less like a contest and more like a coronation for President Samia Suluhu Hassan, as she faces her first presidential election.

The 65-year-old became the East African nation's first female head of state after the death in 2021 of sitting President John Magufuli. He was admired on the one hand for his no-nonsense drive to stamp out corruption but criticized on the other for his authoritarian clampdown on dissent and controversial attitude towards the Covid pandemic.

President Samia, who had been vice-president, seemed like a breath of fresh air - and with her warmer and friendlier style, she initiated reforms that seemed to represent a radical departure from her predecessor's policies.

Her four Rs policy - reconciliation, resilience, reform and rebuilding - reopened Tanzania to foreign investors, restored donor relations and mollified the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank.

But as the political landscape evolves, critics note that the political space has drastically shrunk, with increased targeting of government critics and heightened reports of abductions and killings.

Leading political observers highlight President Samia's shift from a conciliatory tone to a more assertive, tough approach. Her actions have led to her being blamed for various issues linked to repression and security.

With the election campaign showing little contest, many citizens express concerns about voter engagement and the absence of robust political debate, describing an election process which feels predetermined.

Critics argue that the ruling party's strategies undermine electoral credibility and warn of the long-term implications if political dissent continues to be stifled.

In the semi-autonomous region of Zanzibar, however, political campaigns are vibrant, with ongoing political competition. This juxtaposition highlights the diverse political environment across Tanzania, as locals express differing views on President Samia's administration.

While some see her leadership as stabilizing, others feel the urgent need for tangible actions to address economic challenges, particularly among women and youth.

The upcoming election is seen as a pivotal moment for Tanzania, one that may shape the future of its democracy amid pressures for reform and the ongoing struggle for political freedoms.