Africa-Press – Tanzania. WITH just months remaining before the 2025 General Election, opposition parties across the country are in overdrive as they race to meet the timelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The schedules require parties to complete internal vetting and nominate candidates ahead of the collection of nomination forms, with campaigns set to begin on August 28 for Mainland Tanzania and August 27 for Zanzibar, leading up to voting on October 29.
In an exclusive interview with the ‘Daily News,’ several opposition parties expressed confidence in their ability to meet the deadlines, outlining detailed preparations that range from intra-party elections to campaign strategy alignment.
The Civic United Front (CUF), one of the country’s oldest opposition parties, is in the midst of a busy electoral calendar.
CUF has announced plans to hold a special national congress in early this month, where the party will confirm its presidential candidates for both the Union Government and the Zanzibar Government.
Though the date for the congress has yet to be confirmed, the party’s top brass says preparations are on track.
“This congress will be historic for CUF as it gives us an opportunity to renew our commitment to the people of Tanzania,” CUF’s Director of Information and Publicity, Mr Mohamed Ngulangwa, told the ‘Daily News.’
Interestingly, CUF’s longtime leader, Professor Ibrahim Lipumba, who has contested for the presidency five times did not collect a nomination form this year.
In 2020, Prof Lipumba received 756 out of 789 votes to become the party’s Union presidential candidate.
This time, the presidential race within CUF features fresh faces: Ms Rose Kahoji, Mr Kiwale Mkungutila, Mr Chifu Yemba, and Mr Gombo Samandito.
“The list of candidates will be made public after a thorough internal review,” Mr Ngulangwa added.
CUF Secretary-General, Ms Husna Mohamed Abdallah, echoed this commitment to transparency, saying: “We have seen strong interest across all positions, and we remain committed to a fair and inclusive process that reflects our values as a party.”
Elsewhere, the National Convention for Construction and Reform (NCCR-Mageuzi) said it was also ready to take on the General Election.
Party Chairman, Mr Haji Khamis, confirmed that the party had already conducted its National Congress on March 30, 2025, where he was nominated as the party’s presidential candidate for the Union Government.
Mr Joseph Selasili was also appointed Vice-Chairman during the same congress.
Mr Khamis revealed that the party will convene its National Executive Council in the coming days to endorse its presidential candidate for Zanzibar.
“We already have a candidate. What remains now is to officially confirm our aspirants for parliamentary, councillorship and House of Representatives positions,” he said.
He further noted that while councillorship nominations have yet to be finalised, they are expected to be announced following the National Executive Council meeting scheduled for August 7 and 8.
“We are well prepared for the General Election and confident that those in power will ensure fairness. Even if we do not secure the presidency, we are determined to win a significant number of parliamentary and councillorship seats,” Mr Ambar said.
ACT-Wazalendo, another major opposition party, is finalising its manifesto and election strategy.
According to the party’s Communications Officer, Mr Abdallah Hamis, ACT-Wazalendo has been holding a series of internal meetings to deliberate on key issues ahead of the polls.
“We are finalising election plans and will release a comprehensive statement alongside our manifesto within the few days,” Mr Hamis said.
“We are fully prepared for the election and confident of our position.” On its party, the Chama Cha Ukombozi wa Umma (CHAUMMA) said it has been actively engaging with voters across the country in preparation for the election.
Its spokesperson, Mr Damian Mataluma, said CHAUMMA has already completed a nationwide tour, which has helped boost the party’s visibility and connection with citizens.
“Every politician who genuinely wishes to educate and persuade citizens for meaningful change is welcome to join CHAUMMA,” Mr Mataluma told the ‘Daily News.’
“The political field is open to all who meet the qualifications and we intend to ensure Tanzanians understand that meaningful change is possible through us.”
He added that the party will soon announce a schedule for upcoming meetings as part of its ongoing mobilisation efforts.
Meanwhile, the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has already set the tone for the election season as it had already unveiled its manifesto.
Earlier last week, CCM Secretary for Ideology, Publicity and Training, Mr Amos Makalla, announced a list of 1,726 aspirants for its parliamentary primaries which conducted yesterday countrywide.
“This process underscores CCM’s commitment to democratic inclusion and its readiness to face the General Election head-on,” Mr Makalla said.
Despite their ideological differences, opposition parties interviewed by the ‘Daily News’ shared a sense of optimism that the 2025 General Election could mark a turning point for Tanzania’s multiparty democracy.
Political analysts say the competitive spirit among opposition parties suggests a more vibrant campaign season, especially as voters demand concrete solutions to pressing socio-economic challenges.
The months ahead are expected to be busy, with party primaries, manifesto launches and candidate endorsements dominating the political landscape.
For now, all eyes remain on INEC’s timeline and on how parties, both ruling and opposition, will navigate the crucial road to October 2025.
For More News And Analysis About Tanzania Follow Africa-Press
