By Matik Kueth
Tanzania’s National Electoral Commission (NEC) has officially declared Samia Suluhu Hassan as the President-Elect, following her sweeping 85.4% victory in the October 29, 2025, general election.
This win marks Hassan’s first full term after taking office in 2021 upon the death of former President John Magufuli.
While the victory cements her place as Tanzania’s first elected female president and underscores the continued dominance of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, the election was marred by controversy.
Key opposition figures, including Chadema’s Tundu Lissu and ACT-Wazalendo’s Luhaga Mpina, were jailed or barred from contesting, leaving Hassan with little serious competition.
Urban centers, notably Dar es Salaam, experienced low voter turnout amid fears of violence. Authorities responded with night curfews and heightened security.
Protests erupted nationwide as critics and human rights groups decried what they termed a tightly controlled election, citing restricted political freedoms and a crackdown on dissent.
Despite these challenges, NEC confirmed Hassan’s overwhelming win.
State media reported strong CCM support across the country, though human rights organizations and some international observers warned that Tanzania faces mounting pressure to implement democratic reforms and ensure political inclusivity in future elections.