Tanzania’s General Elections

Tanzania will go to the polls on 29 October 2025 for general elections that will determine the country’s next President, Members of Parliament (MPs), and local councillors. Although more than 37 million voters are registered, the election is occurring in an environment where Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema), the main opposition party, will not participate. Civil society warns of increasing repression of dissent and a shrinking political space. 

On Wednesday, John Heche, the Chadema Deputy Chairperson, was arrested while trying to attend the treason trial of party leader Tundu Lissu at the High Court in Dar es Salaam. In a statement, the party claimed that the government planned to “arrest senior party leaders and detain them until after the elections”. However, the government has not responded to this allegation.

As the country prepares for the elections, observers will be watching closely to determine whether they represent a competitive choice or merely reinforce the dominance of the ruling party.