Overview
- CCM’s Samia Suluhu Hassan faces only minor challengers after Chadema was disqualified, its leader Tundu Lissu jailed on treason charges, and ACT‑Wazalendo’s Luhaga Mpina removed from the race.
- More than 37 million voters are registered for Wednesday’s polls, with the electoral commission saying results are due within three days as analysts warn of turnout depressed by voter apathy.
- Amnesty International and other groups cite enforced disappearances, abductions, arbitrary arrests and killings; the government disputes the allegations and points to an ordered probe into alleged abductions.
- The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee warns the arrests and intimidation threaten Tanzania’s democratic standing, while authorities say legal safeguards protect rights.
- Zanzibar’s contest remains tight, with ACT‑Wazalendo’s Othman Masoud challenging CCM’s Hussein Mwinyi and alleging irregular early voting and heavy security that analysts say could make the islands a flashpoint.