The green-and-yellow colors of Tanzania ’s ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party dominate every street. From the airport highway to the portside neighborhoods, the face of President Samia Suluhu Hassan (65) beams from banners, billboards, and vendor stalls. A constant reminder of her near-unquestioned hold on power as the country heads into the October 29 elections.

For the first time since she assumed office in 2021 following the sudden death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, President Samia seeks a full elected term of her own. The election, viewed by many as a formality, is expected to reaffirm CCM’s decades-long control of Tanzanian politics.

“Mama Samia” and the CCM Machine

Tanzania has been ruled by CCM since independence in 1961. Though multiparty politics was formally introd

See Full Page