Polling stations across Tanzania opened on Wednesday for a highly contentious election, marked by widespread concerns from human rights organizations and the detention of key opposition figures. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, representing the long-ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, is vying for her second term. The CCM has dominated Tanzanian politics since the country’s independence in 1961. Voting commenced at 7:00 a.m. local time and is set to conclude at 4:00 p.m., with preliminary results anticipated within 24 hours. However, the electoral commission retains up to seven days to declare the final outcome. The election has been overshadowed by the imprisonment of Tundu Lissu, leader of the main opposition party CHADEMA, who faces treason charges for advocating electoral reforms. Additionally, the candidate from the second-largest opposition party was disqualified from running. Amnesty International has raised alarms about the pre-election environment, citing verified instances of enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and extrajudicial killings. The rights group contends that these alleged abuses by security forces have severely undermined the election’s legitimacy. Despite a 26% increase in registered voters since 2020, analysts predict low voter turnout due to widespread apathy and the perception that Hassan’s victory is inevitable. CHADEMA has called for protests on election day, further heightening tensions.