Rethinking Tanzania and its Constitution ahead of the 2025 Elections: Challenges and Prospects

The Tanzanian constitution, including the detail of the relationship between Zanzibar and the mainland, was very much on the political agenda in the run-up to the presidential elections in 2015. But the most controversial proposals of the Warioba Commission were not implemented, and during the Magufuli presidency the constitution was not widely discussed.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the Vice-President from Zanzibar who succeeded Magufuli after his unexpected death in March 2021, initially appeared to be reluctant to consider changes to the constitution. She has, however, been more willing to engage with opposition parties, and the Mukandala Taskforce, set up under her watch, has proposed a range of reforms. At least some of these proposals can be implemented ahead of the next presidential elections in 2025, and may shape how it plays out. However, President Hassan wants any changes to be lasting and introduced on the basis of consensus, which, along with resistance within some parts of the ruling party, may slow the pace of change.

This event will discuss this process, where it is going and the factors that drive it, and the implications for Tanzanian politics both in 2025 and in the future. It is co-organised by the International Development Department of the University of Birmingham, the Britain Tanzania Society, and the Centre for Elections, Democracy, Accountability and Representation.

Speakers/Discussant/Chair:

• Ben Taylor Editor, Tanzanian Affairs
• Alexander Makulilo Senior Lecturer and Head of Department of Political Science and Public Administration, University of Dar es Salaam
• Baruani Mshale Director of Learning and Strategy, Twaweza
• Elsie Eyakuze Tanzanian freelance journalist and commentator, and columnist for the East African
• Michaela Collord Assistant Professor in Politics and International Relations, University of Nottingham
• Paul Harrison Chair, Britain Tanzania Society
• Nic Cheeseman Professor of Democracy at the University of Birmingham

Please register online to participate in this event.