Joseph Isangura
With only six days left before Tanzania’s general elections on October 29, 2025, a recent nationwide poll provides a clear snapshot of voter sentiment and priorities.
The findings were released by the Research and Publications Department of CIP-Africa. Speaking to journalists, Thabit Msangi, Head of Research and Publications at CIP-Africa, emphasized that these statistics offer essential insights into how citizens are thinking about the election and what issues matter most.
The survey, conducted between September 30 and October 5, 2025, sampled 1,976 registered voters across 19 regions of mainland Tanzania and two regions of Zanzibar (Pemba and Unguja) using scientific random sampling. Participants were evenly split by gender, with 988 men and 988 women, and represented a wide age range: 29% aged 18–25, 32% aged 26–35, 13% aged 36–45, 17% aged 46–55, and 9% over 55. In terms of education, 14% had primary education, 57% secondary, 28% tertiary, and 1% other forms of education.
Political engagement is high. Among respondents, 81% identify as active followers of political developments, while 19% do not. Of the active followers, 43% were women, and 57% men, with education levels broadly reflecting the general population.
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The poll shows significant interest in campaign activities: 53% of respondents attended political rallies in the lead-up to the election. Among those, 76% participated in rallies for the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM), 15% for ACT-Wazalendo, 2% for CHAUMMA, and 7% attended rallies for multiple parties.
If the presidential election were held today, the poll indicates that 84.5% of respondents would vote for CCM, 3% for the Civic United Front (CUF), 3% for CHAUMMA, 1.5% for NCCR-Mageuzi, and 8% preferred not to disclose their choice.
Voters also expressed clear priorities for the next administration. Access to water and quality education were highlighted by 78% of respondents, while 69% prioritized infrastructure improvements, 63% healthcare, 60% anti-corruption measures, and 47% democratic reforms. Concerns over youth drug use, particularly cannabis, were also raised in urban districts like Ilala and Segerea.
Regarding local government elections, respondents emphasized roads (75%), water supply (75%), school fees (61%), and drug availability in clinics (59%) as top priorities for MPs and councilors.
The survey also showed strong intent to vote, with 83% confirming they will cast ballots on October 29. Furthermore, 91% expressed satisfaction with the preparations and oversight of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in managing the election process.
With only six days to go, Tanzania faces a pivotal electoral moment. These figures provide a data-driven snapshot of voter sentiment and expectations, highlighting the issues that will shape public discourse and ultimately influence outcomes on election day.
