Prime
What next as Samia delivers closing speech in Parliament?
President Samia Suluhu Hassan travels to Dodoma from Dar es Salaam on the standard gauge railway on Thursday. She will deliver her closing address to the 12th National Assembly in Dodoma on Friday. PHOTO | STATE HOUSE
What you need to know:
- Her address to the National Assembly is expected to set the tone for the October General Election
Dodoma. As the curtain begins to fall on Tanzania’s 12th Parliament on Friday, all eyes turn to President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is expected to deliver the closing speech that could set the tone for the October General Election.
The address marks the official winding up of a parliament that has been marked by extensive legislative activity, deep political undertones and growing indications of ruling party confidence ahead of the polls.
In a comprehensive summary of Parliament’s achievements, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa on Thursday praised lawmakers for successfully deliberating on critical national matters, including answering over 23,000 questions raised by Members of Parliament (MPs) and passing 58 government bills.
“During the 19th session alone, 724 primary questions and 2,699 supplementary questions were answered,” he said.
“In total, during the life of this Parliament, 5,259 primary questions, 18,075 supplementary ones, and 253 direct questions to the Prime Minister were addressed.”
The Prime Minister also noted that Parliament ratified 12 international treaties, passed 19 major resolutions, and issued 15 ministerial statements, reinforcing transparency and accountability.
More significantly, he tabled the National Development Vision 2025–2050, calling it “a compass for Tanzania’s next 25 years.”
“Let us be good ambassadors of this Vision when we return to our constituencies,” Mr Majaliwa urged MPs.
Ruling party optimism
What was equally striking in the final session, however, was the ruling party CCM’s overt display of confidence that it will return to power with a strong parliamentary majority come October.
National Assembly Speaker and IPU president Tulia Ackson underscored the transformative projects implemented under President Hassan’s administration, including the standard gauge railway (SGR) from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma.
Other milestones she mentioned that clearly define the party’s capabilities are the completion of the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP), the completion and commissioning of the JP Magufuli Bridge in Mwanza and the expansions in rural electrification and clean energy.
“We’ve witnessed power reaching villages and suburbs—President Hassan is now globally recognised as a champion of clean energy,” Dr Ackson said, adding that such achievements have made the ruling party more appealing ahead of the polls.
Political analyst Benson Malima of the University of Dodoma agrees, noting, “With the kind of tangible deliverables CCM is showcasing, they are positioning themselves not just as incumbents, but as developers of modern Tanzania. It gives them an upper hand in tight races.”
He told The Citizen that the state of the opposition also gives CCM confidence, as there are tangible developments that citizens can see for themselves, rather than just relying on what they hear or are persuaded to believe by opposition politicians.
“I’m not saying that CCM is without weaknesses, and I don’t intend to dwell on how they handle the opposition. What I am saying is that CCM has achieved many things that can make a citizen trust the party, especially at the presidential level.”
Chadema’s Special Seats dilemma
As CCM projects stability and continuity, opposition party Chadema is likely to face further internal uncertainty. The spotlight is back on the Special Seats MPs who entered Parliament under Chadema but have since been estranged from the party for aligning with government initiatives.
With Parliament’s dissolution imminent, the big question is whether these MPs will run again, under what party and whether they will retain public support.
“They’ve been politically homeless, disowned by their party but embraced by Parliament,” said political commentator Anna Mnari. “Now the campaign season will force them to choose sides.”
Chadema, for its part, has remained tight-lipped on whether it will forgive or officially expel the group. However, insiders suggest a possible realignment or splintering.
“Their political fate now lies more in public perception than party loyalty. Voters may or may not trust them again,” Ms Mnari said.
President’s address
As the President prepares her address, many expect her to outline national unity, peaceful elections and her vision beyond 2025. The Prime Minister already hinted at this, urging:
“Let every citizen protect peace and stability before, during, and after the election. The government will ensure the Constitution and laws are upheld so that every eligible voter can exercise their rights freely.”
Economist Jordan Mushi believes the political calm created under President Hassan has contributed to investor confidence and economic growth.
“The tone she sets today will either preserve the peace or heighten tensions. But so far, she’s shown preference for inclusivity and reform,” he said.
With the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) finalizing preparations, and Parliament’s closure opening the door for candidate nominations, party primaries, and official campaigns, the stakes are rising.
The dissolution of Parliament will also shift focus to internal party politics. Delegates from various parties will now begin selecting their presidential, parliamentary, and councillorship candidates.
