President Samia Suluhu Hassan has taken an early lead in Tanzania’s general election according to preliminary results released by the National Electoral Commission (NEC) on Thursday morning.
The early tallies show that the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party is dominating in key regions, putting President Samia on course for a potential first full term in office.
The elections held on Wednesday, drew millions of voters across the country who turned out to choose their president members of parliament and local leaders.
Early reports from polling stations indicated a peaceful voting process though opposition parties have raised concerns about alleged irregularities in some urban centers.
According to the NEC’s partial count from 35% of polling stations, President Samia had secured about 63% of the vote, while her closest challenger, Freeman Mbowe of the CHADEMA party, trailed with 32%.
Smaller parties, including ACT-Wazalendo, shared the remaining votes.
Speaking after visiting the tallying center in Dodoma NEC Chairperson Judge Jacobs Mwambe assured Tanzanians that the vote counting process was being conducted transparently and that final results would be announced within the constitutionally allowed period.
“We are working day and night to ensure that every vote counts and that Tanzanians get credible results,” he said.
In Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Mwanza, CCM supporters were seen celebrating early projections, singing and waving party flags.
Many praised President Samia’s leadership since taking office in 2021 after the passing of former President John Magufuli crediting her for restoring international relations, promoting women’s empowerment, and reviving the tourism sector.
However, opposition leaders have expressed skepticism about the results, with CHADEMA officials accusing the electoral body of bias.
“We have received reports from several regions where our agents were denied access to some counting centers,” said Tundu Lissu, a senior CHADEMA figure.
International observers, including teams from the African Union (AU) and the East African Community (EAC), have called for calm as they continue to monitor the final stages of the tallying process.
If confirmed, a win for President Samia would mark her first direct electoral victory and further cement her place as Tanzania’s first female president.
Analysts say such a result would strengthen her position within the CCM party and give her a stronger mandate to push forward her development and reform agenda.
By Nairobi