Tanzania’s 2025 Election: Democracy Without Contest?

The 2025 election unfolded with little real competition — a show of dominance rather than a test of choice.

Tanzania held its general election on 29 October, re-electing President Samia Suluhu Hassan with a reported 97% of the vote. The landslide was not unexpected, but its scale and the circumstances surrounding it have renewed scrutiny of the country’s political landscape.

Tanzania is often overshadowed by larger African economies such as Nigeria and South Africa or more politically dynamic neighbours like Kenya. Yet, it plays a crucial role in East Africa. Its political trajectory and democratic evolution deserve greater international attention amid shifting regional norms and growing external interest.

Lying along Africa’s southeastern coast, Tanzania borders Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique. With over 68 million people, it is among the continent’s most populous nations. Formed in 1964 through the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar, it has largely enjoyed political stability—a sharp contrast to some of its conflict-prone neighbours.

The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has governed since independence, making it one of the world’s longest-ruling parties. Under Julius Nyerere, Tanzania adopted socialism that promoted unity through Swahili and prioritised rural development and egalitarian values.

Although multi-party democracy was introduced in the early 1990s, political competition remains tightly controlled. The CCM continues to dominate, drawing on its historic legitimacy, grassroots networks, and command of state institutions. This has stifled strong opposition and created a system where elections largely reaffirm existing power rather than offer real alternatives.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan assumed office in March 2021 after the sudden death of John Magufuli. As Tanzania’s first female president, she initially signalled a shift from her predecessor’s authoritarian style — engaging the opposition, freeing political prisoners, and reopening dialogue with the international community.

But the early promise of liberalisation soon faded. Despite a softer tone, her administration has retained one-party dominance. Opposition leaders faced prosecutions, surveillance, and deregistration of their parties ahead of last month’s election. Independent media remained restricted, and civil society groups reported hurdles in monitoring the vote.

The 2025 general election thus unfolded with little real political competition. Opposition parties were weakened or sidelined, and voter outreach remained under tight state control — raising doubts about whether it was a genuine contest or simply a show of dominance.

Official results portrayed the vote as a strong endorsement of President Hassan’s leadership. With high turnout and a sweeping victory, the government presented the outcome as a mandate for stability and continued growth. Ministers and party leaders pointed to gains in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and diplomacy as proof of public trust, while state media cast the CCM as the guardian of Tanzania’s future.

Independent observers and civil society groups, however, disputed this narrative. Domestic monitors flagged procedural opacity and limited transparency, while regional and international observers—including the African Union—noted that although the vote was peaceful, it failed to meet democratic standards due to opposition exclusion, campaign restrictions, and the absence of credible redress mechanisms.

In cities like Dar es Salaam and Arusha, small but persistent protests have erupted against the political climate. Mostly youth-led, they reflect growing frustration with a system seen as closed and unresponsive.

International reactions have been cautious. Western governments acknowledged the results but urged respect for democratic norms. China, a major investor, reaffirmed support for the incumbent, while India, upholding its long-standing partnership, offered congratulations without commenting on the poll’s integrity.

The 2025 Tanzanian election fits a wider regional pattern in which governments maintain formal elections while restricting real pluralism. Uganda, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe show similar traits — regular polls with little genuine competition. This “electoral authoritarianism” preserves the appearance of democracy while hollowing out its core.

India regards Tanzania as a key partner in the Indian Ocean Region. With a sizable Indian diaspora and historical ties dating back to the colonial era, the two countries have collaborated in pharmaceuticals, education, ICT, and defence. As Tanzania manages its internal political dynamics, India and other partners must strike a balance between strategic engagement and a principled approach to governance and institutional development.

For Tanzanians, particularly the youth, who form a large share of the population, the future depends on more than infrastructure and economic growth. It rests on their ability to take part meaningfully in shaping the nation’s course. Genuine democracy requires not only voting but also an environment where diverse voices are heard, the opposition can operate without fear, and institutions remain accountable.

For observers across Africa and beyond, Tanzania’s experience highlights the need to look beyond the ballot box and focus on the broader framework of governance.

(The writer is a foreign affairs expert. Views personal.)