Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan campaigned on Friday in Zanzibar, her birthplace, ahead of elections scheduled for Wednesday. More than 50 billboards bearing her image lined the airport road while green and yellow banners from the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party covered the island of 1.9 million residents. Amnesty International released a report this week alleging systematic rights violations and terror tactics before the vote.
Hassan became president in 2021 after John Magufuli died while serving as her predecessor. Observers initially praised her for relaxing controls on opposition groups and journalists, but critics say she has adopted repressive tactics. Security forces were heavily deployed in Stone Town, where Hassan spoke, while a helicopter flew overhead displaying campaign posters.
Rights organizations say Hassan faces no legitimate competition despite 17 candidates appearing on ballots. Authorities blocked the main opposition party, Chadema, from participating after it refused to sign a conduct agreement unless electoral reforms were enacted. Party leader Tundu Lissu stands trial for treason, while some voters said they would skip the presidential section entirely.
The ruling party has won every election in Zanzibar since its formation in 1977. The island governs itself separately from mainland Tanzania and selects its own president and lawmakers. Early voting begins on Tuesday.
Hassan became president in 2021 after John Magufuli died while serving as her predecessor. Observers initially praised her for relaxing controls on opposition groups and journalists, but critics say she has adopted repressive tactics. Security forces were heavily deployed in Stone Town, where Hassan spoke, while a helicopter flew overhead displaying campaign posters.
Rights organizations say Hassan faces no legitimate competition despite 17 candidates appearing on ballots. Authorities blocked the main opposition party, Chadema, from participating after it refused to sign a conduct agreement unless electoral reforms were enacted. Party leader Tundu Lissu stands trial for treason, while some voters said they would skip the presidential section entirely.
The ruling party has won every election in Zanzibar since its formation in 1977. The island governs itself separately from mainland Tanzania and selects its own president and lawmakers. Early voting begins on Tuesday.
