Chaos and doubt grip Tanzania’s election as major rivals sidelined

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania

Tension exploded today Wednesday as protesters dismantled a polling station in Dar es Salaam and hauled away ballots, amid one of the most contested general elections in years.

Voting started at 7am, seen by many as a foregone conclusion. The incumbent Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), is seeking her first full term in what critics say is an election lacking real opposition.

But as polling stations opened, scenes of unrest erupted: in Dar es Salaam protesters shouted “Hamna kupigia kura hapa” (“There is no voting here”), tore down tents and disrupted the process.

“We have come to show there is no free vote here,” one protester told reporters in Dar es Salaam.

Tanzania’s presidential ballot lists 17 candidates cleared by the Independent National Electoral Commission. 

The key contenders include:

Samia Suluhu Hassan (CCM)

Saum Rashid (United Democratic Party – UDP)

Kunje Ngombale Mwiru (Alliance for African Farmers Party – AAFP)

Anna Mghanga (TaSiKwa)

John Momose Cheyo (MAKINI) …among others.

Notably absent are major opposition figures Tundu Lissu of CHADEMA, who remains in custody and his party is barred from the race, and Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo who was disqualified.

Observers say the absence of credible challengers paves the way for a dominant-party sweep and raises serious questions about democratic choice.

Ahead of polling, rights organisations sounded the alarm. Amnesty International described the environment as a “climate of fear” characterised by enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests and suppression of dissent.

A former diplomat-turned-critic, Humphrey Polepole, is among the dozens reported missing, with his house found blood-stained and empty.

“Clearly this is a sham election,” said human rights activist Maria Sarungi.

The CCM, in power since independence in 1961, is expected to deepen its dominance.

Voter turnout may collapse in key regions, as disillusionment, boycotts and fear ripple through opposition strongholds.

The election’s legitimacy is under international scrutiny as failure to meet credible standards could isolate Tanzania politically and impact aid flows.

“Authorities have spent the last five years ripping apart the constitution… they have ramped up their clamp-down on civic space and the right to participate freely in elections.” — Amnesty International report “We will not accept an election without reform… we will spoil this election if our demands are ignored.” — Tundu Lissu

Official results due within 24 hours, final results possibly in up to seven(7) days.

Civil unrest risks remain high in areas where polling is rejected.

International observers from EAC and AU expected to issue verdicts on credibility.

Tanzania’s democratic reputation and business climate may hinge on how authorities handle post-vote transparency.