Tanzania is preparing for presidential elections scheduled for Wednesday, where incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan is seeking her first full term. Following the death of President John Magufuli in 2021, Hassan became the first female head of state in Tanzania. Her leadership style has been perceived as a change from Magufuli’s contentious approach, with her adopting a more conciliatory tone and initiating policies aimed at improving foreign relations and economic recovery, including the “four Rs” strategy: reconciliation, resilience, reform, and rebuilding.
However, the political landscape has shifted under her presidency, with reports indicating a tightening of political freedom and an increase in the targeting of dissenters. Political analyst Mohammed Issa noted that while Hassan initially appeared to promote openness, the current environment reflects a more aggressive stance towards opposition, echoing concerns from groups like Freedom House, which reported a decline in Tanzania’s democracy status. The State has faced criticism, with allegations of abductions and violence against opposition members becoming more frequent.
While the electoral commission has announced 17 candidates eligible to run, notable opposition figures such as Tundu Lissu of Chadema, who is currently on trial, have been barred from participating. This has led some Tanzanians to express skepticism about the electoral process, suggesting the election feels more like a “coronation” than a competitive race. Citizens, especially in urban areas, have voiced concerns about the lack of a vibrant opposition, fearing that a low turnout could undermine the legitimacy of the elections. Amidst these challenges, the political discourse appears increasingly constrained, raising questions about the future of democracy in Tanzania.
In contrast, the electoral atmosphere in Zanzibar is more lively, with local elections presenting significant competition for the main party candidates. As the elections approach, public sentiment appears mixed, particularly among young voters who seek both representation and accountability from their leaders.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cev1drlz0x0o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss