Tanzania's Ruling Party Seeks to Extend 64-Year Grip on Power

Strategic Insights -

Tanzanians head to the polls on Wednesday to elect their president, with incumbent Samia Suluhu Hassan, a former vice president, widely expected to win. Hassan's Chama cha Mapinduzi, or Party of the Revolution, has been in power since the country's independence from Britain in 1961, despite Tanzania being a multiparty democracy. The ruling party has maintained control through authoritarian means, including cracking down on opposition leaders, civic groups, and journalists, creating a "climate of fear" ahead of the elections.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tanzania's governing party, Chama cha Mapinduzi, has been in power for 64 years, with annual per capita income of roughly $1,200.
  • President Samia Suluhu Hassan, a former vice president, is widely expected to win the election, but many voters are disenchanted by the deepening of authoritarianism under her leadership.
  • Two of Hassan's main opponents, Tundu Lissu and Luhaga Mpina, are barred from seeking Tanzania's presidency, with Lissu facing treason charges and his deputy leader, John Heche, arrested while attending Lissu's trial.
  • The opposition has called for protests on election day, citing a lack of free and fair election conditions, and warning that Tanzania's election presents "a significant risk of strengthening authoritarian practices."
  • Voter turnout is predicted to be low, especially as a CCM victory is taken for granted, with Nicodemus Minde, a Tanzanian researcher, warning that "voter apathy could be high due to the impact of the disqualification of the two main opposition parties."
  • Some voters have expressed concerns about the threat to peace stemming from elections, with authorities stating they would not tolerate any disruptions by possible demonstrations.
  • Others worry that the government plans to shut the internet down ahead of voting, which has sparked fears of unaccountability and human rights abuses.

Statistics:

  • Tanzania has an annual per capita income of roughly $1,200.
  • Voter turnout has been declining since 2010, with predicted low turnout expected in the upcoming election.
  • 17 candidates are running for president, including President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
  • Two major opposition parties, Chadema and ACT-Wazalendo, have been disqualified from participating in the election, sparking protests and concerns about free and fair electoral conditions.

Sources:

  • Muhumuza, K. (AP). "Tanzania's ruling party seeks to extend 64-year grip on power".
  • AP Staff. "Tanzania's president-elect to take office, no major protests reported".
  • Minde, N. (Institute for Security Studies). "Tanzania's election presents a significant risk of strengthening authoritarian practices".
  • Mbunda, R. (University of Dar es Salaam). "Tanzania's election lacks political legitimacy, dialogue needed".