صولوحو تتطلع إلى ولاية ثانية.. تنزانيا تختار رئيساً لها اليوم

Amid intense competition among candidates, voters in Tanzania headed to the polls today (Wednesday) to choose a president for the country, as well as members of parliament and local councils.

The current president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, and her ruling party, "Chama Cha Mapinduzi," which has dominated the political scene since the country's independence in 1961, are participating in the elections as (the first woman to hold this position in Tanzania's history) and she is seeking a new term after assuming power in March 2021 following the death of former president John Magufuli.

Absence of Opposition in the Elections

In light of the absence of the main opposition parties, led by the Chadema party after its candidates were excluded from the race and its leader Tundu Lissu was arrested on charges related to "inciting unrest," this has drawn criticism from international human rights organizations, which stated that the political climate does not guarantee free and fair elections.

However, Attorney General Hamza Jowhary confirmed that the general elections are fully in line with the constitution and laws of the country, indicating that all candidates for the presidency, parliament, and local council seats across the country have been approved according to the law, making these elections legitimate.

It is worth noting that the current president and presidential candidate Suluhu has adopted a reconciliatory tone with the opposition during her term and has implemented partial reforms in media and civil activity laws.

37 Million Voters

The National Electoral Commission stated that more than 37 million registered voters will cast their votes at over 20,000 polling stations inside and outside the country, amid heightened security measures, noting that more than 100 local and international organizations have been approved to monitor the electoral process.