Tanzania’s Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has announced he will not contest his parliamentary seat in the upcoming October 2025 general elections, effectively ruling out a return as prime minister. The 64-year-old veteran politician made the unexpected declaration on Wednesday, citing divine guidance and a desire to allow new leadership to emerge. “It is time to allow others to build on what we have started,” Majaliwa said during a press briefing, adding that the decision was made “in good faith.” His withdrawal comes despite earlier public statements that he would seek a fourth term in parliament.
Majaliwa, appointed prime minister in 2015 by the late President John Magufuli, was viewed by some as a possible successor to the presidency. He retained his role under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is now preparing for a re-election campaign as flagbearer of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party. His decision follows the May 2025 retirement announcement by Vice President Philip Mpango, leading to increased speculation that President Samia is consolidating power ahead of the elections by reshaping her leadership team. Analysts also suggest that the move could reflect internal CCM efforts to maintain religious and regional balance. While Majaliwa and President Samia are both Muslims, Tanzania is majority Christian. A former schoolteacher and deputy minister under President Jakaya Kikwete, Majaliwa is widely credited with helping to ensure a smooth political transition following Magufuli’s sudden death in 2021. Though he will not hold elected office, Majaliwa confirmed he will continue to serve in a senior advisory role within CCM and support President Samia’s campaign.
Meanwhile, the political climate remains tense. The main opposition party, Chadema, has been barred from contesting the elections after rejecting a government code of ethics and demanding comprehensive electoral reforms. Its leader, Tundu Lissu, is currently facing treason charges stemming from allegations of inciting unrest. He previously survived an assassination attempt in 2017. The government has denied reports of an alleged plot to poison Lissu while in custody and has warned against the spread of what it calls “false information.” Human rights organizations, however, accuse President Samia’s administration of increasingly authoritarian behavior, including the arrests of senior opposition figures and reported cases of abductions and extrajudicial killings.
Tanzania’s general elections are expected later this year. Despite criticism, CCM remains poised to retain power, continuing its uninterrupted rule since 1977.
