In a surprising move, Tanzania’s Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa declared he will not contest this October’s parliamentary elections, effectively stepping aside from a role he’s held since 2015. The 64-year-old cited faith and a desire to “allow others to build on what we have started,” leaving observers speculating about internal shifts within the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.
Majaliwa’s announcement follows closely behind the retirement of Vice-President Philip Mpango, stirring talk of President Samia Suluhu Hassan consolidating her leadership team ahead of her re-election bid.
A former teacher and regional administrator, Majaliwa is credited with maintaining political stability after the death of President John Magufuli in 2021. Though stepping down as MP, he remains a senior figure within CCM and will campaign for Samia’s candidacy.
His departure also raises questions about representation within the government, as analysts note possible efforts to balance religious and regional demographics in a country where the majority is Christian, while both Samia and Majaliwa are Muslim.
Meanwhile, political tensions simmer. The main opposition party, Chadema, has been banned from the elections amid accusations of refusing to comply with new political codes and continued calls for reform. Its leader, Tundu Lissu, faces treason charges, and the government has denied claims of a plot to poison him while in custody.
Rights groups warn of increasing repression under President Samia’s administration, despite earlier hopes for reform. With elections looming later this year, CCM remains firmly entrenched its dominance unbroken since 1977.
