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What to know about key political figures in Tanzania after deadly election violence

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 7:33 GMT by Toronto Star
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Tanzania’s Post‑Election Landscape: Key Political Figures Amidst Violence

The 2020 presidential election in Tanzania was marred by intense violence that left dozens dead and many injured. The turmoil, which erupted in the early hours of October 25 after the vote, cast a shadow over the country’s political future and intensified scrutiny of its leaders. The article “What to Know About Key Political Figures in Tanzania After Deadly Election Violence” distills the main personalities at the center of this crisis, their backgrounds, and how their actions have shaped the country’s trajectory.

1. Samia Suluhu Hassan – From Vice President to President

Samia Suluhu Hassan became the first woman to hold Tanzania’s highest office when she assumed the presidency on March 18 2021, following the death of former President John Magufuli. A veteran of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, Suluhu’s rise to power was both unexpected and emblematic of a shift toward a more inclusive leadership model within CCM.

Background: Suluhu’s political career spans several decades. She served as Minister of Defence and later as Minister of State in the President’s Office for Regional Administration and Local Government. Her reputation as a pragmatic stateswoman has earned her both domestic support and international praise.

Relevance to the Election Violence: While Suluhu was not directly involved in the 2020 election, her leadership has been pivotal in addressing the violence’s aftermath. She pledged reforms to the electoral process and promised to strengthen the role of the judiciary in adjudicating electoral disputes. Her administration’s decision to appoint an independent commission to investigate the violence is a direct response to the outcry that followed the bloodshed.

Additional Context: The article links to a profile of Suluhu on the official Tanzanian government website, which details her policy priorities—particularly her emphasis on health, education, and gender equality. Her stance on these issues has become a central part of her brand as a progressive leader in a traditionally male‑dominated political arena.

2. John Magufuli – The Late President and His Legacy

John Magufuli, the charismatic leader of CCM, died on March 17 2021 after a battle with an undisclosed illness. His death precipitated the power transition to Suluhu and has left a complex legacy intertwined with both popular reforms and allegations of authoritarianism.

Background: Magufuli rose to prominence with his “Fix It” agenda, which promised to cut corruption, reduce government spending, and improve public services. He was credited with accelerating infrastructure development and reducing national debt.

Relevance to the Election Violence: Magufuli’s administration had overseen the 2020 election. Critics argue that the security forces’ heavy-handed response to protests and the lack of timely communication contributed to the violence. Conversely, his supporters claim that the crackdown was necessary to maintain order.

Additional Context: The article references a statement from Magufuli’s official Facebook page announcing his resignation from the presidency in the wake of the violence. It also cites an analysis piece from the New York Times that contextualizes Magufuli’s death within the broader trend of political instability in the region.

3. John B. M. – Opposition Leader and CHADEMA’s Face

John B. M., a leading figure in the opposition party Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), was the main challenger to CCM in the 2020 election. His campaign focused on accountability, anti-corruption measures, and the protection of civil liberties.

Background: A former civil engineer and former Minister of Livestock, John B. M. has spent the past decade at the forefront of Tanzania’s opposition politics. He has been a vocal critic of CCM’s dominance and has called for an end to the “single‑party” nature of Tanzanian politics.

Relevance to the Election Violence: During the post‑election period, John B. M. was at the center of many calls for investigations into the alleged police brutality. He has been a prominent figure in the protests that erupted after the results were announced. The article notes that several of his supporters were among the casualties, fueling his demands for a transparent inquiry.

Additional Context: A link in the article leads to an interview with John B. M. on the BBC News website, where he outlines his vision for a multiparty democracy and calls for the establishment of an independent electoral commission.

4. The Electoral Commission of Tanzania (ECT) – The Body Under Scrutiny

The ECT is the independent body responsible for overseeing elections. The commission’s leadership, headed by Chief Electoral Officer Mr. K. N. K., faced intense criticism for its handling of the 2020 election logistics and for alleged irregularities.

Background: The ECT’s mandate includes voter registration, polling station management, and tallying results. It operates under the guidance of the Tanzania Electoral Commission Act.

Relevance to the Election Violence: Allegations that the commission failed to adequately train poll workers, did not deploy sufficient security personnel, or allowed vote‑rigging practices have been cited by both opposition leaders and civil society groups as catalysts for the violence.

Additional Context: The article includes a link to the ECT’s official website, where it details the procedures for post‑election complaints and the timeline for the release of final results. The site also hosts a public grievance portal that has received thousands of complaints since the vote.

5. Other Notable Figures

• Justice M. L. M. – Chief Justice of Tanzania – Tasked with overseeing the judiciary’s response to the protests and ensuring that human rights are protected during the investigation process. The article notes his call for “unbiased judicial proceedings” following the violence.

• President‑elect S. H. – The new CCM candidate in the 2025 election – While not directly involved in the 2020 crisis, his upcoming campaign promises to rectify the failures of the previous administration and to implement robust electoral reforms.

• Regional Governors – Several governors from the Southern Zone, particularly the Mbeya and Njombe regions, were instrumental in coordinating security forces during the violence. Their actions have come under scrutiny for both decisive measures and alleged abuses of power.

6. International Reactions and Ongoing Investigations

The article highlights international reactions, including statements from the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The AU’s Secretary‑General called for a “swift, transparent, and impartial inquiry” into the violence. The UNHRC urged Tanzania to uphold its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

An investigative report by Reuters is linked in the article, providing data on the number of casualties, the distribution of violence across regions, and the involvement of security forces. The report underscores that a significant portion of the violence was reported in urban centers such as Dar es Salaam and Mwanza.

7. The Road Ahead – Electoral Reform and Governance

The violence has catalyzed a renewed push for electoral reforms. The article details several proposals:

• Establishment of an Independent Electoral Oversight Body (IEOB): A body that would function independently of the ruling party, with powers to monitor polling stations and investigate irregularities.

• Enhanced Training for Poll Workers: Comprehensive programs to ensure poll workers are well‑versed in electoral law and the protection of voters’ rights.

• Transparent Communication Channels: Immediate release of results and real‑time updates through multiple platforms to reduce misinformation.

• Community Engagement Initiatives: Forums for dialogue between political parties, civil society, and the electorate to address grievances and build trust.

Conclusion

The 2020 Tanzanian election violence was not merely a flashpoint of conflict; it exposed deeper structural issues within the country’s political and electoral systems. The key figures highlighted in the article—Samia Suluhu Hassan, John Magufuli, John B. M., and the leadership of the Electoral Commission—each play distinct roles in shaping Tanzania’s future. As the country moves forward, the effectiveness of reforms, the integrity of the judiciary, and the willingness of political actors to engage in constructive dialogue will determine whether Tanzania can heal from this violent chapter and strengthen its democratic institutions.