Tanzania votes as CCM seeks another term amid opposition bans

Voters across Tanzania on Wednesday cast ballots in a general election likely to keep President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party in power amid the exclusion and detention of key opposition figures and heightened security measures. Polls opened after early voting in Zanzibar, with more than 37 million registered voters due to choose a president, members of parliament and local councillors.

Hassan, who became president in 2021 after the death of John Magufuli, is contesting her first full term against a field dominated by minor parties after the disqualification of the main opposition movements. Tundu Lissu, leader of the largest opposition party Chadema, has been imprisoned on treason-related charges since April and his party was barred from the ballot. The second major opposition party, ACT Wazalendo, and its candidate Luhaga Mpina were also excluded. Electoral authorities said the remaining contenders include 16 other candidates from smaller parties.

The campaign and voting period have been marked by reports of arrests, enforced disappearances and a climate of fear described by rights groups and United Nations experts. Amnesty International and other...