editor
Tanzania’s political landscape is shifting as Dorothy Semu, the Acting Leader of ACT Wazalendo, has officially entered the race for the presidency.
Her declaration came Tuesday, April 22, at the party’s national headquarters in Dar es Salaam, where she collected nomination forms to begin her journey toward the country’s highest office.
The announcement positions Semu as one of the key challengers to incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party in the upcoming 2025 general elections.
Flanked by senior party officials and a handful of supporters, Semu accepted her nomination form from the party’s Secretary of Organization, Training, and Elections, Comrade Shaweji Mketo. Her speech was bold and direct, setting the tone for what promises to be a spirited campaign.
“I have decided to run for president because I believe Tanzania needs a new direction—one that prioritizes the dignity of every citizen and restores hope for a better future,” she said. “Our people are struggling—economically, socially, and politically—and the current leadership has failed to provide solutions.”
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Semu criticized the ruling party’s record, claiming that its policies have left many Tanzanians behind. She called for a government that listens, protects freedoms, and creates opportunities, especially for young people and women.
“I am standing not just to oppose, but to offer a real alternative,” she said. “This isn’t about personal ambition. It’s about giving Tanzanians a chance to believe in their country again.”
She also promised to return soon with a comprehensive address outlining her full campaign vision. That speech, she noted, will coincide with the official submission of her completed nomination documents.
If nominated, Semu would become one of the most prominent women to seek the presidency in Tanzania’s history—an important moment in a political environment where female leadership remains underrepresented at the highest levels.
Her entry adds fresh energy to an already charged political season, as parties prepare for what could be one of the most closely watched elections in recent years. Many observers say her campaign could resonate with voters who are looking for change, especially amid growing public concerns over governance, accountability, and economic hardship.
