By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Tanzania’s ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has officially nominated President Samia Suluhu Hassan as its candidate for the general elections scheduled for October.
The announcement came at the end of a general assembly held over the weekend.
Hassan, who assumed office in 2021 following the sudden death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, is seeking her first full term as president.
Initially praised for introducing reforms and easing the tight restrictions Magufuli imposed on opposition groups and the media, Hassan’s administration has faced growing criticism.
Rights organisations and Western nations have expressed concern over what they describe as a resurgence of political repression.
Incidents include the arrests of members of the opposition Chadema party, as well as reports of abductions and killings of political figures.
The October elections will test Hassan’s leadership and her ability to balance political openness with the demands of her ruling party in a country of approximately 67 million people.
