Tanzania's Contentious Presidential Election: A Power Struggle Unfolds

Tanzanians went to the polls in a crucial election on Wednesday, with President Samia Suluhu Hassan anticipated to secure another term after the main opposition candidates were disqualified. The presidential election, accompanied by votes for the 400-seat parliament and Zanzibar's leadership, has witnessed controversy over the exclusion of major opposition figures.

The leading opposition party, CHADEMA, faced disqualification for non-compliance with electoral protocols, as its leader, Tundu Lissu, stands trial for disputed treason charges. Similarly, ACT-Wazalendo's candidate, Luhaga Mpina, was disqualified following an objection by the Attorney General. These developments leave only minor party candidates to challenge Hassan's dominant CCM.

The election has drawn criticism from rights organizations like Amnesty International, which accused the government of stifling dissent—a charge the authorities deny. President Hassan, credited with easing prior political repression, now faces scrutiny over alleged government-led abductions. The election results are poised to be announced within three days.