Tanzania’s ruling party has put forward Samia Suluhu Hassan as its presidential candidate for the upcoming general elections scheduled for October.
In her call for solidarity before the elections, Hassan emphasized the importance of unity, stating, “I urge all to maintain our unity as we go to the elections. The polls can seriously divide us but I believe we will remain united now that we have candidates.”
At 64 years old, she assumed the presidency in 2021 following the unexpected passing of John Magufuli, who faced criticism for restricting certain freedoms and suppressing dissent.
Initially, Hassan received praise for relaxing some of the limitations imposed by Magufuli on the opposition and media.
However, human rights organizations and Western governments have since criticized what they perceive as a resurgence of oppression against opposition groups.
Members of the main opposition party, Chadema, have been arrested, and several opposition leaders have reportedly been abducted and killed.
The Chadema party has not yet announced its presidential candidate.
Last year, the party indicated it might boycott the elections if electoral reforms were not implemented.
This longstanding demand has consistently been overlooked by Hassan’s party.
