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Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has reassured Tanzanians that the general election set for October 2025 will take place as scheduled, dismissing claims that it could be postponed due to demands for electoral reforms.
Speaking on Friday, February 21, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, CCM’s Secretary for Ideology, Publicity, and Training, Amos Makalla, emphasized that the necessary legal and procedural steps have already been taken to ensure the election proceeds smoothly. He urged citizens to remain focused on participating in the process rather than being influenced by calls suggesting otherwise.
“We are moving forward with this election, having made significant changes to the system,” Makalla said. “I encourage all Tanzanians to take part in the voter registration updates and not be misled by political statements claiming the election won’t happen.”
His remarks come in response to Chadema’s ongoing “No Reform, No Election” campaign, led by party chairman Tundu Lissu. The opposition has been vocal about the need for deeper electoral reforms before participating in the elections. Lissu has repeatedly argued that without meaningful changes—such as a new democratic constitution and an independent electoral commission—going to the polls would be futile.
Chadema’s stance has sparked debate, even within the party, as some members express concern over the potential consequences of boycotting the election. Despite this, Chadema Secretary-General John Mnyika has reiterated that their focus remains on securing reforms before committing to the polls.
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Meanwhile, the government maintains that sufficient improvements have already been made to the electoral system. Eliakim Maswi, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs, recently questioned the necessity for further reforms, suggesting that the opposition’s concerns may be more about political positioning than genuine obstacles to the election.
While the ruling party is confident that everything is in place for a fair election, the opposition remains steadfast in its demands for a more transparent system. The coming months will be crucial in shaping the direction of the country’s political future, with voters watching closely to see how both sides navigate the road to October.
