Tanzania’s first female president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, is seeking re-election on October 29 in a tense political atmosphere marked by reports of arrests, disqualifications, and abductions of opposition figures.
Suluhu, who rose to power in 2021 following the death of former President John Magufuli, initially earned praise for her moderate tone and efforts to open up the political space. However, as the election approaches, growing concerns have emerged about the state of democracy and political freedoms in the country.
According to reports circulating among Tanzanian civil society and political observers, nearly all major opposition candidates have either been jailed, disqualified, or forced into hiding. The most prominent opposition challenger is said to have been abducted, with his whereabouts currently unknown.
The developments have raised questions about whether President Suluhu will effectively run unopposed in next week’s polls. Rights groups and democracy advocates are calling on the Tanzanian government to ensure a fair and transparent election process, urging authorities to release detained opposition members and allow open political competition.
Once celebrated as a unifying figure who could soften Magufuli’s hardline governance style, Suluhu’s administration now faces criticism for allegedly stifling dissent and shrinking civic freedoms.
As election day nears, uncertainty looms over whether Tanzanians will witness a genuine democratic contest — or a one-sided race that could further test the country’s democratic institutions.
