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Polls are open in Tanzania for a pivotal election that is expected to extend the ruling party’s six-decade hold on power. President Samia Suluhu Hassan is seeking her first full term after completing the late John Magufuli’s mandate, in an election clouded by significant controversy. Notably, the main opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, is imprisoned on treason charges. Another key candidate, from the second-largest opposition party, was also disqualified from running in the election. Human rights groups like Amnesty International report an atmosphere of fear, citing enforced disappearances and arbitrary arrests ahead of the vote. Despite a substantial increase in registered voters, analysts predict widespread apathy, as Hassan is expected to cruise to an unchallenged victory. This combination of a suppressed opposition and alleged abuses has raised serious questions about the election’s legitimacy, casting a long shadow over the final results.
AP