Tanzania’s 2025 General Election: A Nation at a Crossroads

By Urban Gazette Staff | Dar es Salaam / Dodoma

Tanzania is set to hold its general elections on 29 October 2025, with the population voting for the President, members of the National Assembly, and councillors. As the country approaches this pivotal moment, tensions are rising over questions of fairness, political freedom, opposition participation, and electoral integrity. Below is a deep dive into what’s known, what’s contested, and what Tanzanians and observers are watching closely.

📅 Key Facts & Timelines

Election Date: 29 October 2025.

What’s being elected: President, National Assembly (parliament), and local government councillors.

Voter Registration: Over 37.65 million registered voters, a ~26.6% increase over the 2020 figures. This includes more than 36.65 million on Mainland Tanzania and about 1.00 million in Zanzibar.

The update of the permanent voter register took place in two phases: from July 20, 2024 to March 25, 2025; and from May 1 to July 4, 2025.

Approximately 99,744 names were removed from the voter roll due to deaths, ineligible persons, and duplicates; also about 8,703 cases of multiple registrations identified.

⚖ Political Dynamics & Contestation

Ruling Party & Incumbent: President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) is running for re‑election with her running mate Emmanuel Nchimbi.

Major Opposition Barred: CHADEMA, one of the main opposition parties, has been officially disqualified from contesting the 2025 general election (and by‑elections until 2030) after refusing to sign a legally required code of conduct.

CHADEMA leader Tundu Lissu was charged with treason in April 2025, following speeches calling for electoral reform. His arrest is tied to allegations of inciting rebellion and obstruction.

Another opposition party, ACT‑Wazalendo, also had its candidate disqualified.

🔍 Key Issues & Areas to Watch

1. Voter Register Integrity vs. Inflation Claims

While 37.65 million is the official number of registered voters, some opposition actors question whether the figures align with census‑based expectations of eligible voters. Discrepancies or perceptions of “over‑registration” may fuel distrust.

2. Exclusion & Opposition Participation

CHADEMA’s exclusion is especially significant: not only does it deny a major political voice, but it also raises questions about the legitimacy and competitiveness of the elections. Observers will watch how this shapes voter sentiment, turnout, and international reactions

3. Media & Freedom of Assembly
   With reports that media outlets are being shut down or restricted, and opposition rallies constrained, citizens and civil society are concerned about whether the public will have access to adequate information and space for debate.
4. Campaign Period & Safety
   The campaign period is underway. President Hassan has launched campaigns; other rivals are either disqualified or constrained. There are concerns about safety of political gatherings, fairness in campaign access, and bias in how institutions treat different parties.
5. Electoral Laws, Code of Conduct, Legal Framework

New laws have recently been introduced: the Presidential, Parliamentary and Councillors’ Elections Act, 2024, and the Independent National Electoral Commission Act. These legal changes will be closely scrutinized for how they affect fairness, transparency, and ability of opposition to participate.

🧭 Urban Gazette Perspective

For Tanzanians in cities — Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Arusha, Zanzibar’s towns — the stakes are especially high. Urban areas tend to hold more opposition sentiment, higher political awareness, and more exposure to digital information. What happens in these areas will strongly influence both perception and outcomes.