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Ethics

Tanzania's Ruling Party Faces Divided Opposition in Upcoming Elections

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the general elections approach in October 2025, the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) ruling party is gearing up for what may be its toughest challenge yet. The opposition is louder than ever, but more divided than it has been in recent history. The disqualification of Chadema, the country's main opposition force, from the presidential race has sparked a protest campaign under the slogan "No Reforms, No Elections." In contrast, another prominent opposition party, ACT-Wazalendo, has confirmed it will contest the elections, despite its deep-seated criticism of the current electoral framework.

Key Takeaways:

  • Chadema, the country's main opposition force, was disqualified from the presidential race by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for failing to sign the 2025 Election Code of Ethics.
  • Tundu Lissu, Chadema chairman and a prominent opposition leader, now faces treason charges and has launched a protest campaign.
  • ACT-Wazalendo, a prominent opposition party, has confirmed it will contest the elections, despite its deep-seated criticism of the current electoral framework.
  • President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the ruling party's candidate, will face several challengers, including Yustus Rwamugira from the Tanzania Labour Party, Hassan Doyo from the NLD, and Wilson Elias from the ADC.
  • Several smaller parties have also nominated presidential candidates, but most of them performed poorly in the 2020 elections and are not seen as serious contenders.
  • President Hassan's leadership has been credited with stabilising Tanzania's international image, reviving foreign investment, and overseeing infrastructure expansion.
  • The opposition is more divided than it has been in recent history, with Chadema sidelined and ACT-Wazalendo carrying the protest torch into the ballot box.

Statistics:

  • In the last election, Chadema received 1.9 million votes (13%).
  • ACT-Wazalendo received 81,129 votes (0.55%).
  • President Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to face several challengers in the election.
  • Over a dozen smaller parties have nominated presidential candidates.
  • Tanzania's economy is expected to grow to $1 trillion by mid-century, according to Vision 2050.

Sources:

  • "Tanzania's main opposition party Chadema disqualified from polls" (The East African, June 2025)
  • "ACT-Wazalendo to contest Tanzania's October 2025 elections" (The Citizen, July 2025)
  • "Tanzanian ambassador quits government over 'personal convictions'" (The East African, July 2025)
  • "Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan to face several challengers in election" (The Citizen, July 2025)
  • "Tanzania's economy expected to grow to $1 trillion by mid-century" (The Guardian, June 2025)

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