Tanzania’s Prime Minister Abandons Parliamentary Election Amid Speculation of Power Struggle in Ruling Party

Kassim Majaliwa

Source: Africa Publicity

The Prime Minister of Tanzania, Kassim Majaliwa, has sparked speculation of a power struggle within the country’s ruling party as he surprisingly announced he will not seek a re-election in Tanzania’s upcoming parliamentary election. 

However, he assured that he will remain a ruling party official. But his decision not to seek a re-election effectively preventes him from being re-appointed as Prime Minister.

Majaliwa had just a week ago observed his willingness to defend his parliamentary seat for a fourth time in October.

But on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, he took many by surprise when he announced he will no longer contest.

Aged 64, Majaliwa was appointed prime minister in 2015.

He was seen back then as a possible successor of the late President John Magufuli after his death in 2021.

He has continued to hold the Prime Minister position under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is seeking to retain the presidency under the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).

Majaliwa has since 2010 represented the coastal Ruangwa region.

According to him, his decision not to seek a re-election was guided by God and he had made it “in good faith”.

He says “It is time to give others the opportunity to unite and build on the development foundation we’ve established.”

A week ago, he had said that he would seek a re-election.

Also in September 2024, he told constituents of Ruangwa that he would seek another term of office.

His unexpected withdrawal from the race has sparked speculation of a power struggle within the ruling party.