Tanzania declares October 29 a public holiday for national elections
The declaration follows an earlier announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which set October 29, 2025, as the official date for elections of the President, Members of Parliament, and Councillors.
The Tanzanian government has declared October 29, 2025, a public holiday to allow citizens to participate in the upcoming general elections.
In an official statement issued by the Chief Secretary, Ambassador Dr Moses Kusiluka, the government said the decision by President Samia Suluhu Hassan aims to ensure that all eligible voters, including public servants and private-sector employees, have the opportunity to cast their ballots without hindrance.
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The declaration follows an earlier announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which set October 29, 2025, as the official date for elections of the President, Members of Parliament, and Councillors.
"The President, using powers vested under the Public Holidays Act, has declared October 29, 2025, a public holiday," the statement read in part.
Tanzania's 2025 elections are expected to be closely watched as President Samia seeks to consolidate democratic reforms and economic recovery efforts since assuming office in 2021.
However, the run-up to the polls has raised concerns among opposition parties and civil society about the shrinking democratic space and uneven playing field.
Several opposition figures, including senior members of CHADEMA and ACT-Wazalendo, have been arrested or disqualified from contesting key positions, prompting criticism from human rights groups who say the political climate remains repressive despite the government's pledges of reform.
President Samia, who succeeded the late John Magufuli in 2021, has promised to restore civic freedoms and strengthen Tanzania's democracy.
Yet, observers note that the 2025 elections will be a litmus test for her administration's commitment to genuine political pluralism.
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