**Tanzania’s Ruling Party Set to Extend 64-Year Rule Amid Concerns Over Election Fairness**
*NAIROBI, Kenya (AP)* — Tanzania’s governing party, Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has been in power for 64 years, largely unchallenged by serious opposition. This long-standing dominance looks set to continue as Tanzanians prepare to vote on Wednesday in a general election widely expected to be won by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Hassan, a former vice president, assumed the presidency in 2021 following the death of her predecessor. She is Tanzania’s sixth president and the country’s first female leader. Despite Tanzania being a multiparty democracy, CCM has maintained control since independence from Britain in 1961.
With a population of 68 million and an annual per capita income of roughly $1,200, Tanzania stands out in a region where liberation parties are losing ground and vibrant opposition groups, often led by young people, are pushing for political change.
However, authorities have cracked down on opposition leaders, civil society organizations, journalists, and others in what Amnesty International describes as a “climate of fear” ahead of the elections. These polls will decide the country’s next president, lawmakers, and various local leaders.
**A History of Limited Opposition**
Under former President John Pombe Magufuli, an authoritarian figure who restricted opposition campaigning outside election periods, repression was intense. While early expectations suggested President Hassan might adopt a more open style, many voters have grown disillusioned with the increased authoritarianism during her tenure.
Opposition parties allowed to contest this election have run minimal campaigns, with some candidates even seeming to endorse Hassan’s bid for re-election.
**Opposition Leaders Silenced**
Voters will select from Hassan and 16 other candidates. Yet two of her main rivals—Tundu Lissu of Chadema and Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo—have been barred from contesting the presidency.
Lissu, a prominent opposition figure known for his charisma, spent years in European exile after surviving an assassination attempt in 2017. He is currently imprisoned on treason charges widely seen as politically motivated. Recently, police also arrested John Heche, deputy leader of Chadema, while he was attending Lissu’s treason trial.
**Campaign Promises and CCM’s Position**
With her major opponents sidelined, Hassan has been touring the country, campaigning on promises of stability and prosperity, especially for those working in agriculture. Her slogan—“work and dignity”—emphasizes moving Tanzania forward.
CCM, which maintains ties with China’s Communist Party, enjoys loyal support in parts of the country. However, the party’s share of the popular vote has been declining amid growing calls for change from opposition groups.
Nicodemus Minde, a Tanzanian researcher with the Institute for Security Studies in South Africa, describes CCM as heading to the polls “virtually unchallenged.” He notes voter turnout has been dropping since 2010 and predicts low participation, partly because a CCM victory is seen as a foregone conclusion.
“Voter apathy could be high due to the impact of the disqualification of the two main opposition parties,” Minde said. He warned that this election “presents a significant risk of strengthening authoritarian practices rather than advancing democratic governance.”
**Tensions and Threats of Unrest**
The opposition has called for protests on election day. Chadema insists that free and fair elections are impossible without essential reforms.
Many voters interviewed by The Associated Press expressed concern about potential threats to peace, especially after authorities warned they would not tolerate disruptions stemming from demonstrations. There are widespread fears regarding repressive tactics, including arbitrary arrests and abductions by unknown individuals.
Some also worry the government may shut down internet access ahead of voting.
“Peace must prevail for the election to run smoothly,” said Joshua Gerald, a resident of Dar es Salaam who requested anonymity for safety reasons. “Without peace, there can be chaos or fear, and people may fail to exercise their democratic rights.”
Noel Johnson, another young voter from the city, emphasized the need to safeguard constitutional rights. “The government needs to protect our constitutional rights, especially the right to demonstrate because we are not satisfied with the ongoing electoral processes,” he said.
President Hassan has urged voters to turn out in large numbers and assured that peace will be maintained. Yet concerns over possible unrest persist.
Richard Mbunda, a political scientist at the University of Dar es Salaam, warned that public dissatisfaction could push Tanzania toward instability.
“There are clear signs of unrest,” Mbunda said. He cautioned that even seemingly stable countries risk turmoil if authorities remain indifferent.
“The tone of reconciliation spoken about during campaigns should be genuine,” he added. “Dialogue is needed. The election is legally valid but lacks political legitimacy.”
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Muhumuza reported from Kampala, Uganda. Associated Press writers in Dodoma and Dar es Salaam contributed to this report.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/tanzania-goes-vote-elections-set-045907785.html