Tanzania Heads to Polls on 29 October Amid Restricted Opposition and International Observers
By Urban Gazette Regional Desk
Dar es Salaam / Kampala
Tanzania goes to the polls on 29 October 2025 in general elections that will decide the presidency, members of the National Assembly and local councillors. Observers from the African Union and other regional missions are in the country to monitor the electoral process, but rights groups and analysts say the vote will take place in a constrained political environment following arrests, candidate disqualifications and a shrinking civic space.
The African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) confirmed its arrival in Dar es Salaam earlier this month and said its observers will monitor campaign activities, polling day procedures and the results management process — with a preliminary statement expected shortly after polls close. The AU mission comprises dozens of observers drawn from across the continent and will produce both preliminary and final reports.
Political analysts say the election is likely to hand victory to President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her ruling CCM party amid limited space for robust opposition campaigning. International commentators have noted a pattern of restrictions — including the barring or incapacitation of prominent opposition figures — that have narrowed meaningful competition and raised concerns about the long-term implications for democratic governance in Tanzania.
In recent weeks, media outlets and monitoring organisations reported heightened security and restrictions around political rallies. Analysts warn that while the presence of international observation missions adds scrutiny, their findings will hinge on access and the ability to witness the entire electoral cycle from campaigning through to results tabulation. Several observer missions are expected to publish preliminary assessments in the days immediately after the vote.
What voters and regional watchers should expect
Polling across mainland Tanzania and the semi-autonomous islands of Zanzibar on 29 October; presidential and parliamentary ballots will be counted under the supervision of the National Electoral Commission.
AUEOM’s preliminary statement and other observer commentary in the days after the vote; full reports will follow later.
Context: President Samia, who became head of state in 2021, is contesting for election after serving a partial term. Observers and analysts have highlighted constraints on opposition activity in the lead-up to the polls, a factor that could shape both turnout and the international reception of the final results. The broader concern among some analysts is that continued democratic erosion may carry economic and reputational costs.
The Urban Gazette will carry live updates on election day, including reports from accredited observers, official tallies and reactions from political parties. Readers are advised to follow official announcements from the National Electoral Commission and statements from accredited observer missions for verified results.
