Tanzania election: Results, impact, and what’s next for East Africa

When the Tanzania election, the national vote that determines leadership in one of Africa’s most populous and strategically important countries. Also known as the Tanzanian general election, it’s more than just a political event—it’s a test of democracy in a region where power transitions are often tightly controlled. In 2020, Samia Suluhu Hassan became Tanzania’s first female president after the sudden death of John Magufuli, and her leadership has since been shaped by the expectations of a young, connected population demanding change. The most recent Tanzania election tested whether her reformist tone would translate into real political openness—or if the system would revert to old patterns of control.

The Tanzanian politics, a system dominated by the Chama Cha Mapinduzi party for over 50 years. Also known as CCM, it still holds deep roots in the country’s post-independence identity, but younger voters are pushing back. They’re asking tough questions: Why are opposition leaders still jailed? Why do election results take weeks to appear? Why do internet shutdowns happen right before voting? These aren’t just complaints—they’re signs of a civic awakening. Meanwhile, the East Africa democracy, a fragile but growing movement across Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania. Also known as regional democratic momentum, is watching Tanzania closely. If the vote was free and fair, it could inspire others. If it wasn’t, it could signal a regional backslide.

The election integrity, the trust people have that their votes count and are counted correctly. Also known as vote transparency, was under heavy scrutiny this cycle. International observers noted fewer irregularities than in past elections, but local groups still reported ballot stuffing in rural areas and pressure on civil servants to support the ruling party. The real story isn’t just the winner—it’s whether the process gave citizens a real voice. Tanzania’s economy, tied to mining, agriculture, and regional trade, depends on stable governance. Investors want predictability. Citizens want dignity. The world wants to know: is Tanzania moving forward, or just spinning its wheels?

What you’ll find below are the latest reports, analyses, and firsthand accounts from the Tanzania election. From street protests in Dar es Salaam to behind-the-scenes negotiations in Dodoma, these stories show the real human stakes behind the ballot boxes. Whether you’re tracking political shifts, economic impacts, or the rise of youth activism, this collection gives you the unfiltered truth—not the press releases.

Tanzania’s Election Denied Legitimacy as Opposition Leaders Banned, Hassan Wins 97.66% Vote
By Karabo Ngoepe
Tanzania’s Election Denied Legitimacy as Opposition Leaders Banned, Hassan Wins 97.66% Vote

Tanzania's October 2025 election saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan win 97.66% of the vote after opposition leaders Luhaga Mpina and Tundu Lissu were barred and jailed, raising fears of democratic collapse.