elections
In the 2025 general elections, Tanzania's ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) secured a commanding majority, winning 270 out of the 272 directly elected seats in the unicameral Parliament.
Since gaining independence in 1961, Tanzania has maintained uninterrupted Government continuity through regular elections, anchoring the country's long-standing peace and political stability.
This electoral continuity has underpinned successive administrations that have prioritized private-sector growth, driving strong economic expansion and fostering a favourable investment climate.
Electoral System and Government Structure
The Tanzanian constitution provides for the rule of law, separation of powers, and political pluralism, with a Government structure that is decentralized, comprising the central Government and local Government authorities.
Elections are held for the presidency, parliament, and local councils.
The central Government consists of three main organs: the President and Cabinet (executive branch), the Judiciary, and the Parliament.
The president serves a maximum of two terms of five years each.
Zanzibar retains its semi-autonomous status, electing its own president, who serves a maximum of two five-year terms, alongside its own parliament and judiciary to manage internal matters, while the union Government oversees national concerns such as defense, foreign policy, and finance.
2025 General Elections Results
In the 2025 general elections, CCM secured a commanding majority, winning 270 out of the 272 directly elected seats in the unicameral Parliament, known as the Bunge.[1]
In addition, the Bunge includes 115 seats reserved for women elected by political parties, 10 members appointed by the president, and five members elected by the Zanzibar legislature.
The attorney general also holds an ex officio seat.
The main opposition party was, until the 2025 elections, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), which was disqualified from participating.
Other parties present in parliament include Chama cha Umma (CHAUMMA), which holds three seats.[1]
Presidential Election Outcome
Samia Suluhu Hassan, the first woman to hold the presidency in Tanzania, assumed office on March 19, 2021, following the sudden death of her predecessor, John Pombe Magufuli, who was re-elected in 2020 for his second term.
Hassan previously served as vice president from 2015 to 2021.
CCM nominated her as its candidate for the 2025 general elections, which she won, securing a second term in office until 2030.
In Zanzibar, the current president, Hussein Mwinyi, has been in office since November 2020 and also won the 2025 election for a second term.
He is a member of CCM, which also dominates Zanzibar's House of Representatives.
The main opposition party in Zanzibar is ACT-Wazalendo, led by Othman Masoud Othman, who serves as the first vice president of Zanzibar.
Political Landscape and Multiparty History
The ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has dominated the political landscape since its establishment in 1977, following the merger of the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) and the Afro-Shirazi Party (ASP).
Although a multiparty system was introduced in 1992, CCM continues to hold significant power.
In 1995, following the transition to multi-party democracy, Tanzania held its first competitive elections, with CCM retaining power.
Laws passed by Zanzibar's House of Representatives that affect union matters must be ratified by the president of Tanzania, ensuring alignment between Zanzibar's governance and the broader union framework.
FY 2025/26 Budget Financing of the 2025 General Elections
Within the FY 2025/26 budget, the Government has committed to fully financing the 2025 General Elections domestically, alongside public service wages, the construction and rehabilitation of stadiums for AFCON 2027, and public debt servicing.
This domestic financing of the electoral cycle is part of a broader budget framework that emphasizes increased private sector participation through innovative financing mechanisms, including PPPs.
The full domestic funding of the 2025 General Elections underscores fiscal self-reliance and removes external dependency from the country's most important political event.
Stability, Elections and the Investment Climate
Tanzania has maintained strong political stability since gaining independence, making it one of Africa's most peaceful and secure countries for investment.
Unlike many regional counterparts, Tanzania has never experienced civil war, large-scale internal conflict, or military coups.
Its governance system is based on multi-party democracy, regular elections, and adherence to the rule of law, providing a stable environment for businesses and investors.
The Tanzania Development Vision 2050 emphasizes good governance, peace, security, stability, and democratic principles as foundations for the country's long-term ambitions.
For investors, the peaceful conduct of the 2025 general elections and the orderly continuation of the executive mandate to 2030 reinforce policy continuity across the medium term, supporting long-cycle commitments in infrastructure, manufacturing, and natural resources.
Last Update: May 2026
References
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