Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has pledged to ensure transparency and fairness in the country’s local elections, scheduled for Wednesday. Her statement comes despite the opposition’s allegations of repression and irregularities in the lead-up to the vote.
“It is the government’s commitment to ensure that the elections are conducted transparently, fairly,” Hassan said in a YouTube video. “Voting is our right, and it is our duty to exercise that right peacefully and calmly,” she added, urging respect for voters’ decisions.
The opposition party Chadema has raised concerns about the electoral process. Over the weekend, police used tear gas to disperse a Chadema rally, briefly arresting the party’s leader, Freeman Mbowe, according to the party.
Chadema also protested last week, accusing authorities of unfairly disqualifying several of its candidates. The party further alleged that members have faced intimidation, abductions, and violence, including the murder of its leader, Ali Mohamed Kibao, whose body was discovered on September 7.
This election is seen as a crucial test for Hassan’s administration ahead of the presidential polls in October 2025. Hassan, who assumed office in 2021 following the sudden death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, initially earned praise for easing restrictions on opposition and media freedoms.
However, critics argue she has backtracked on reforms, using tactics reminiscent of Magufuli’s authoritarian approach. Rights groups and Western governments have expressed concern about escalating repression, including arrests of opposition politicians.
Polling stations will operate from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm local time (0600 to 1400 GMT).
