Tanzania’s ruling party has selected Samia Suluhu Hassan as its presidential candidate, ahead of the October general elections.
Hassan has appealed for unity ahead of the vote, saying, “I urge all to retain our togetherness as we approach the elections. The polls can definitely divide us, but I believe we will stay together now that we have candidates.”
The 64-year-old took office in 2021 following the unexpected death of John Magufuli, who was accused of restricting certain liberties and suppressing opposition.
Initially, she was praised for relaxing Magufuli’s limitations on the opposition and media.
However, rights organizations and Western countries have also condemned what they see as increasing repression of the opposition.
Politicians from the main opposition Chadema party have been arrested, and a number of opposition leaders have been kidnapped and killed.
The Chadema party has yet to choose a candidate for president.
Last year, the party threatened to boycott elections if electoral reforms were not implemented.
That long-standing desire has been continuously denied by Hassan’s party.