Tanzania Votes as President Samia Suluhu Hassan Heads for Easy Re-Election
Voters across Tanzania are heading to the polls on Wednesday to elect a new president, parliament, and local councillors. But despite the appearance of a competitive race, few doubt the outcome: President Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to win comfortably, extending the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party’s six-decade hold on power. The CCM—known as the Party of the Revolution—has governed Tanzania uninterrupted for 64 years. And while multiple candidates are listed on the ballot, analysts and rights groups say the field has been heavily tilted in favor of the incumbent. “This election is more of a coronation than a contest,” said political analyst Joseph Mwaipopo. “The opposition has been systematically weakened, leaving voters with little real choice.” Opposition Silenced Before the Vote Human rights organizations have reported widespread intimidation of opposition figures, activists, and journalists ahead of the election. […]
