As Tanzania approaches its general elections on 29 October 2025, there is a significant risk that the polls will reinforce authoritarian practices rather than promote democratic governance. The ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi, has consolidated power around President Samia Suluhu Hassan and disqualified the main opposition parties from the presidential race. Despite reforms that established the Independent National Electoral Commission, executive influence continues to undermine its credibility.

About the author

Nicodemus Minde is a Researcher with the East Africa Peace and Security Governance Programme at the Institute for Security Studies in Nairobi.