The ruling party, presidential candidate, Samia Suluhu Hassan concluded her campaign in Pemba, Zanzibar, on Saturday, September 20, 2025, emphasizing peace and security during the election period.
Samia had been campaigning in Zanzibar, her hometown, since September 17, 2025. On the first day, she held a rally at Makunduchi, where she stressed that “election is not war.” She campaigned there alongside her daughter, Wanu Hafidh, who is contesting the Makunduchi parliamentary seat.
Speaking at the final leg of her Zanzibar campaign at the Gombani ya Kale grounds in Pemba on September 20, 2025, Samia continued to underscore the importance of security ahead of the polls.
“In the past five years, the term we are now concluding, we have worked very hard to maintain political stability, security, and peace within our country , throughout all those five years. You have not heard of whispers of instability ; may be some [road] accidents,” Samia told CCM supporters at a campaign rally.
“An accident occurred and six people died, an accident occurred and a certain number of people died, and perhaps only someone who deliberately provokes and disturbs the peace is the one who has been dealt with,” she continued.
Samia also cited incidents involving foreign actors who crossed into Tanzania but were handled by security forces. Many interpreted her remarks as alluding to East African activists Boniface Mwangi and Agather Atuhaire.
“But you have not heard of any unrest in this country. Even those who crossed our borders intending to bring unrest here were dealt with, and they have never dared to return.”
Mwangi and Atuhaire were attending a court session for opposition leader Tundu Lissu, the two activists were arrested and later expelled at the border, were they had to be hospitalized afterward. The activists accused Tanzanian security organs of sexual violence and torture, allegations that the government has denied.
Samia further assured CCM supporters that election day, set for October 29, 2025, would proceed without disruption.
“I earnestly ask that we protect peace and calm when we are provoked; do not be provoked. Let us protect peace and calm, but also let me ease your fears that on those voting days there will be no any violence,” she said.
“Come out in large numbers and vote. The security and defence organs have organized themselves well to protect this country, and I am the Commander-in-Chief speaking here. We are well prepared to defend this country; therefore, there will be no disturbances. I ask people: let us come out, motivate each other, and go and vote,” she continued.
Her remarks come amid a social media campaign led by influential U.S.-based activist Mange Kimambi, who has called for peaceful demonstrations on election day, a campaign that has picked up pace on TikTok.
After wrapping up in Zanzibar, Samia moved her campaign to Ruvuma, the home region of her running mate, Emmanuel Nchimbi. On Sunday, September 21, 2025, she addressed rallies in Mbinga and Mbambabay.
