Key Highlights
- Tanzania’s upcoming presidential election is seen as a coronation for incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan rather than a contest.
- Main opposition party Chadema is barred from participating in the elections due to its leader being on trial for treason.
- The shrinking political space and increased repression have dampened voter enthusiasm, with many young people feeling disillusioned by the election process.
- President Samia’s policies are seen as a mix of reforms and authoritarian measures, with some seeing her as a stabilizing force while others criticize her for increasing security issues.
The Coronation Continues: Tanzania’s Presidential Election
Tanzania is set to hold its presidential election on June 15, 2023. However, many observers and citizens see this as a coronation more than a contest for power. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been in office since the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, in 2021. This year marks her first personal mandate.
Samia’s Rise to Power
President Samia became Tanzania’s first female head of state after Magufuli’s passing. She initially brought a refreshing tone to the political landscape, promising reconciliation, resilience, reform, and rebuilding. Her policies aimed at reopening the country to foreign investors and restoring relationships with international organizations like the World Bank.
Current Political Landscape
The electoral commission has cleared 17 candidates for the presidential race, but the main opposition party, Chadema, is barred from participating due to its leader, Tundu Lissu, being on trial for treason. This leaves smaller parties in the race, making it difficult for them to challenge Samia’s dominance.
Opposition voices have been targeted ruthlessly, with regular reports of abductions and killings. Analysts like Nicodemus Minde warn that this has contributed to a prevailing sense of fear in Tanzania. The political space has drastically shrunk over the past two years, and many are skeptical about the credibility of the election.
Public Opinion and Voter Sentiment
Voter engagement is low, especially among young people who feel that the system is rigged against them. Godfrey Lusana, a resident of Dar es Salaam, expresses his disappointment: “We do not have an election without a strong opposition. The electoral system is not independent.
We already know who will win. I can’t waste time to vote.”
However, support for President Samia remains strong in rural areas and among women. Queen Castoric, a first-time voter from Tanga, says: “She brings dignity, we young women look up to her.
We feel her presence as the president and that gives us confidence.” In contrast, Celina Ponsiana, another Dar es Salaam resident, is more critical: “Leadership isn’t only about tone. I believe the president has a task to do, first on unemployment.”
Internal Party Dynamics
Within the ruling party CCM, there are divisions and allegations of internal control and bias. Some critics suggest that President Samia is being used as a pawn by powerful business tycoons known as Mtandao. This has fueled political anger among some segments of society.
The government’s response to these challenges remains limited. President Samia continues to campaign with promises of development and better infrastructure, while facing criticism for her handling of security issues and the overall political environment.
