Incumbent Mama Samia Suluhu Declared Winner in Tanzania Election

Translated by Msimulizi from BBC Swahili

President-elect Samia Suluhu Hassan has delivered her first speech after receiving the certificate of victory in the 2025 general election.

Speaking at the ceremony, Samia thanked citizens for electing her.

“Through me, the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has received this Certificate of Victory for the General Election with great honor and humility. This certificate is proof of the trust that citizens have placed in me and in the CCM to fulfill our promise to strengthen, protect, and uphold the dignity and humanity of every Tanzanian,” said Samia.

In her address, President Samia noted that the 2025 election was the first in the country’s history to be conducted entirely “through our own resources”. She also highlighted that among the 17 presidential candidates, four were women.

She congratulated all the presidential contenders who participated in the election, saying they “ran clean and respectful campaigns.”

Samia reminded Tanzanians that the election process was now over:

“My fellow candidates, the 2025 election within the Union of the Republic of Tanzania has concluded. Now is the time to stand together as one nation…” said President Samia.

Samia described the election as a test of the country’s democratic maturity, noting it was “a victory for everyone.”

However, major opposition parties were barred from the 2025 election.
Luhanga Mpina, who had sought the presidency under ACT-Wazalendo, was disqualified after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) upheld an objection filed by the Attorney General.

Meanwhile, Tundu Lissu, the CHADEMA presidential candidate, was arrested on April 9, 2024, and taken to Dar es Salaam. The following day, April 10, 2024, he was charged at Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court. Lissu protested the move, calling it unlawful.

He faces a treason charge under Section 39(2)(d) of the Penal Code, based on remarks he allegedly made concerning efforts to prevent or disrupt the 2025 general election.

Lissu’s case has drawn international attention and media coverage.

President Samia also praised the Independent Election Commission for managing the election “in accordance with Tanzanian law and the Constitution.”

“They have managed the election with independence, transparency, and fairness,” she said.

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