This marks Suluhu's first electoral test since assuming office in 2021 following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli. Running on the ticket of the long-dominant Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party alongside former minister Emmanuel Nchimbi, she is seeking her first full term in office.
Despite a crowded field of 17 presidential candidates, analysts describe the race as largely uncompetitive. The disqualification of Tanzania's two main opposition parties, Chadema and ACT-Wazalendo, has cleared the path for Suluhu and CCM to maintain their six-decade rule, uninterrupted since independence.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) barred both major opposition parties earlier this year. Chadema's leader, Tundu Lissu, was arrested on treason charges in April following his calls for electoral reforms under the slogan "No Reforms, No Election," while ACT-Wazalendo's candidate, Luhaga Mpina, was twice disqualified after a series of court challenges.
Their exclusion has left smaller opposition figures to fill the vacuum, though few command significant national appeal.
Among them is Salum Mwalimu of the Public Liberation Party (Chaumma), once a close ally of Lissu and a former Chadema secretary-general. Mwalimu, who served as Lissu's running mate in the 2020 election, has promised far-reaching reforms, including a new constitution.
'Tanzanians should expect great change from our party, which is committed to transforming the country,' he said when collecting his nomination forms last month.
Other contenders include Haji Ambar Khamis of NCCR-Mageuzi, who has pledged to introduce a new constitution within his first 100 days in office, and Gombo Samandito Gombo of CUF, whose campaign focuses on anti-corruption, domestic revenue generation, and agricultural investment.
Two women, Saum Hussein Rashid of UDP and Mwajuma Noty Mirambo of UMD, also feature on the ballot, highlighting the slow but steady rise of female representation in Tanzanian politics.
Observers say the fragmented opposition, coupled with CCM's vast resources and entrenched grassroots network, leaves little doubt about the likely outcome.
More than 37 million Tanzanians are eligible to vote in an election that also includes parliamentary and local government contests.
In the 2020 election, the late John Magufuli secured a landslide 84.4% of the vote, while Tundu Lissu came second with 13.04%.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/suluhu-tipped-to-retain-power-as-tanzania-s-election-kicks-off
