Dar es Salaam – Major transport operators across Tanzania have cancelled all trips between October 28 and 30, 2025, marking the first time in the country’s history that bus services have been halted due to elections.

Dozens of bus companies, including Louis Line, Extra Luxury Coach, Chakaby Luxury, Ally’s Star, Tilisho Safaris, Happy Nation, Sama Luxury, City Boy Express, Isamilo Express, Linah Luxury, Mbeya Luxury, HC Safari, Greenline Express, King Yasin Tours, and Falcon Coach, have posted public notices announcing the suspension of operations during the General Elections period.

Ferry services have also been affected, with Azam Marine suspending all trips from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar and other coastal destinations on October 29, 2025, with services expected to resume on October 30, 2025.

Whilst most operators have not publicly stated their reasons for grounding their fleets, those who have explained the decision cited the need to “pave the way for the General Elections.” 

Industry observers believe the unprecedented move either reflects fears within the business community about potential chaos surrounding the elections or is a strategic attempt to limit the movement of people intending to vote in the polls scheduled for Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

The cancellations come as authorities maintain that the elections will proceed as planned despite growing online protests and calls for electoral reforms. Social media platforms have been flooded with posts urging mass demonstrations on election day.

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The social media platform X (formerly Twitter) was blocked even before the election campaign began, and recently, live discussions on TikTok have reportedly been restricted. Both platforms are predominantly used by young people and members of the diaspora community.

Police have issued a series of statements warning people against participating in the demonstrations, and officers have been parading in the streets of major cities.

The movement involves mostly young people and Generation Z, as well as a number of supporters who want what they describe as the dire situation in the country to be addressed.