Tanzania heads into the October 29 elections with a general view that the stage has been firmly set for President Samia Suluhu Hassan to easily retain her incumbency, against an array of weak contenders from minor parties, and that the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) will sweep the board.
But the election comes against the backdrop of rising tensions over repressive actions by the establishment to control the outcome and maintain the status quo. Pundits are already predicting a victory for President Samia and CCM, thanks to a ruthless clampdown on any meaningful political opposition and critics in the lead-up to the vote.
