Tanzania’s ruling party has nominated President Samia Suluhu Hassan as its candidate for the upcoming general elections in October, solidifying her bid for a second term in office.
Speaking after the nomination, Hassan, 64, called for unity as the country prepares for the polls.
“I urge all to maintain our unity as we go to the elections,” she said. “The polls can seriously divide us, but I believe we will remain united now that we have candidates.”
Hassan assumed office in 2021 following the sudden death of President John Magufuli, whose administration was accused of restricting freedoms and stifling dissent. Initially, Hassan was praised for easing some of those restrictions, including loosening controls on opposition groups and the media.
However, rights groups and Western governments have since criticized her administration for what they describe as renewed repression of the opposition. Politicians from the main opposition party, Chadema, have been detained, and a number of opposition figures have been abducted or killed.
Chadema has yet to announce its presidential candidate but has previously threatened to boycott elections unless long-demanded electoral reforms are implemented—a request the ruling party has repeatedly ignored.