MWE Correspondent
Tanzania’s ruling party has maintained its strong position in national politics, even as the main opposition party chose to boycott the 2025 general elections.
Former Secretary-General of the ruling party and current Member of Parliament, Dr. Bashiru Ally, said the opposition’s absence would not have altered the ruling party’s performance.
Speaking on the Star TV programme Medani Kuu, Dr. Bashiru explained that the ruling party would have continued to secure a decisive victory even if the opposition had participated. “The opposition is not a threat. If they were, they would have joined the election,” he said, noting that the boycott may have led some opposition supporters either to vote for the ruling party, support smaller parties, or abstain from voting entirely.
Dr. Bashiru emphasized that the 2025 elections were shaped by a mix of political dynamics, candidate appeal, and voter enthusiasm, particularly among women. “The candidate is Tanzania’s first female president. Women’s votes are often pivotal, and their mobilization significantly contributed to the outcome,” he said. He added that continuity in development projects from the previous administration further strengthened voter confidence.
In the recent elections, the president won nearly 98 percent of the vote, one of the highest margins in the nation’s history. Dr. Bashiru warned against comparing Tanzania’s democratic processes with those of other countries, emphasizing that every nation’s system reflects its unique history, culture, and political environment.
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“Democracy is not a ready-made product exported identically to all countries. It involves learning, correcting, and growing as society matures,” he said. While constructive international critique is welcome, it must take into account local social, economic, and historical realities. Tanzania can learn from other nations without blindly adopting systems that do not fit its context.
Dr. Bashiru also stressed that national reconciliation should be rooted in citizen participation rather than agreements only between political parties. The constitution entrusts sovereignty to the people, and national initiatives should first serve citizens’ interests. Meaningful democracy, he said, requires citizen engagement, accountability, and shared responsibility beyond election outcomes.
According to Dr. Bashiru, the ruling party’s nationwide presence and institutional experience give it a distinct advantage, independent of opposition strategies or temporary alliances. He highlighted that political initiatives, including electoral reforms and reconciliation efforts, are only meaningful if citizens are actively involved in shaping policies and governance.
The former party secretary concluded that sustainable governance and national progress depend on bridging political strategies with grassroots participation, ensuring policies reflect the needs and aspirations of the Tanzanian people.
