DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania AP — The official campaign period has started for Tanzania’s October general elections with incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Thursday introducing her party’s parliamentary candidates and the main opposition leader remaining in custody.
Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the presidential candidate of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, shakes hands with the President of Zanzibar, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, during the launch of the party’s campaign for the upcoming general elections, at Tanganyika Packers grounds in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025.
Hassan, of the ruling CCM party, was cleared on Wednesday to run in the Oct. 29 elections by Tanzania’s electoral authority while the main opposition party, CHADEMA, was barred from taking part after refusing to sign an electoral conduct document and calling for electoral reforms.
CHADEMA’s leader Tundu Lissu remains in custody after he was charged with treason in April for urging electoral reforms.
The presidential candidate for the second biggest opposition party, ACT Wazalendo, on Wednesday was also barred from contesting polls in October.
Hassan officially launched her party’s campaign on Thursday alongside her running mate Emmanuel Nchimbi and introduced its slate of parliamentary candidates.
Hassan has been accused of silencing her critics after opposition leaders were arrested in recent months and rivals have criticized her candidacy. But her candidacy was defended by former President Jakaya Kikwete who said Hassan was allowed to seek a second consecutive term in office in line with party rules.