President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been officially declared the winner of Tanzania’s 2025 general elections, securing a decisive victory that extends her leadership for another term.
The announcement by the National Electoral Commission (NEC) confirmed that Hassan won with over 97 percent of the vote, continuing the dominance of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.
The election, held on October 29, was framed as a referendum on President Samia’s stewardship of the economy and her push for infrastructure and energy development.
Yet, the overwhelming margin of victory has sparked heated debate within the country and abroad, with opposition parties and human-rights organizations questioning the credibility of the process.
Claims of Irregularities
Several opposition groups, including CHADEMA and ACT-Wazalendo, alleged that the poll was marred by restrictions on assembly, arrests of opposition members, and limited access for international observers. Reports from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Mwanza indicated that police dispersed protests that erupted soon after the results were announced, with at least 10 fatalities reported by independent monitors.
Opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who has long been a vocal critic of the CCM government, remained in custody at the time of the announcement. CHADEMA officials accused the government of using “intimidation and exclusion” to silence dissent. The authorities, however, maintained that the arrests were linked to violations of election-related laws, not political persecution.
President Samia Calls for Unity
Speaking from Dodoma, President Samia hailed the outcome as a “victory for peace, stability, and progress.” She thanked Tanzanians for renewing their faith in her leadership and vowed to continue focusing on industrialization, youth employment, and women’s empowerment
“This election has reaffirmed our nation’s unity,” she said. “We may differ politically, but we share one destiny building a stronger Tanzania.”
She also urged calm following reports of clashes in some regions, assuring citizens that her government remained committed to dialogue and reconciliation.
Regional and International Response
The African Union (AU) and East African Community (EAC) observer missions noted that voting took place peacefully in most polling centers but cited concerns over transparency, equal access to media, and delayed accreditation of monitors.
Western diplomats, including representatives from the European Union, called for restraint by all sides and urged Tanzanian authorities to protect civil liberties.
A Defining Moment for Tanzania’s Democracy
Analysts say the 2025 polls could define the trajectory of Tanzania’s democracy in the coming years. While supporters hail Samia Suluhu Hassan as a stabilizing force who guided the nation through economic challenges, critics fear that political space is shrinking under her watch.
As Tanzania celebrates its 60th year of independence, the question now shifts from who leads to how the country balances stability with inclusivity ensuring that the promise of democracy reaches all its citizens.
