Tanzanians head to the polls as President Samia seeks first elected term

More than 37 million Tanzanians are voting today in general elections to choose the country’s next president, members of parliament, and local government leaders. The polls opened on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, marking Tanzania’s seventh general election since the adoption of multiparty democracy in 1992. Seventeen candidates are competing in the presidential race, including three women. Among them is incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who assumed office in 2021 following the death of former president Dr.John Pombe Magufuli. President Samia faces several challengers, including Kunje

More than 37 million Tanzanians are voting today in general elections to choose the country’s next president, members of parliament, and local government leaders. The polls opened on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, marking Tanzania’s seventh general election since the adoption of multiparty democracy in 1992. Seventeen candidates are competing in the presidential race, including three women. Among them is incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who assumed office in 2021 following the death of former president Dr.John Pombe Magufuli. President Samia faces several challengers, including Kunje Ngombale of the AAFP party, Hassan Almas of the NRA, Coaster Kibonde of Chama Cha Makini, and Doyo Hassan Doyo of the NLD, among others. However, some of Tanzania’s most prominent opposition figures, Tundu Lissu of CHADEMA and Luhaga Mpina, leader of ACT-Wazalendo were barred from contesting. Lissu has been in prison since April 2025, accused of inciting public unrest for allegedly urging citizens to boycott the elections. Mpina was disqualified by the electoral commission for failing to meet candidacy requirements. Human rights groups have criticised the elections, accusing the government of stifling dissent and excluding credible opposition voices. Some observers have described the vote as “Samia VS Suluhu,” suggesting it lacks genuine competition. If re-elected, this will be President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s first full term, as she previously completed the remainder of Magufuli’s mandate. Since taking office, President Suluhu has earned international praise for introducing social reforms, including allowing pregnant schoolgirls to return to school. She also reversed her predecessor’s COVID-19 policies by recognising the pandemic, promoting vaccination, and implementing public health measures.