During a televised discussion on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Manyora said President Suluhu still enjoyed a strong political base through the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), Tanzania’s ruling party, and that Lissu did not have the numbers or influence needed to challenge her dominance.
He stated that although the opposition was gaining traction in urban areas, CCM remained deeply rooted in rural Tanzania, where a majority of voters still identified with the party.
Manyora explained that this traditional support, built over decades, would have given Suluhu a comfortable win even without the controversies that surrounded the election.
“In a fair election, Tundu Lissu could not have beaten Samia Suluhu. CCM’s structure is too strong, and Suluhu’s leadership was not weak enough to lose such a race,” Manyora remarked.
However, the analyst was quick to criticize the President’s decision to have Lissu arrested and disqualified from running for office, describing it as a serious miscalculation that has now backfired.
According to him, Lissu’s imprisonment not only hurt Tanzania’s image abroad but also weakened CCM’s reputation at home.
“In a fair election, Tundu Lissu could not have beaten Samia Suluhu. CCM’s structure is too strong, and Suluhu’s leadership was not weak enough to lose such a race,” Manyora remarked.
However, the analyst was quick to criticize the President’s decision to have Lissu arrested and disqualified from running for office, describing it as a serious miscalculation that has now backfired.
According to him, Lissu’s imprisonment not only hurt Tanzania’s image abroad but also weakened CCM’s reputation at home.
Manyora said by removing her main challenger in a controversial manner, Suluhu had turned sympathy toward Lissu and handed the opposition a moral victory.
“She did not need to arrest him. That single act made the whole election process questionable and damaged the credibility of the government,” Manyora explained.
He warned that Suluhu’s leadership style had opened CCM to public criticism and created internal divisions that might haunt the party for many years.
Manyora further compared CCM to major institutions such as the University of Nairobi and Nairobi Hospital, which, despite facing internal challenges, maintain strong public confidence.
“She did not need to arrest him. That single act made the whole election process questionable and damaged the credibility of the government,” Manyora explained.
Manyora further compared CCM to major institutions such as the University of Nairobi and Nairobi Hospital, which, despite facing internal challenges, maintain strong public confidence.
He said CCM had enjoyed similar respect across East Africa for decades, but that image was now fading because of poor political decisions.
“Strong organizations depend on the public’s belief in their stability. Once that belief is broken, recovery becomes very difficult,” he said.
The analyst also suggested that President Suluhu’s recent actions may have placed the final nail in CCM’s political coffin, saying the party’s glory days may be over unless it carries out serious reforms.
According to Manyora, the Tanzanian ruling party is currently facing a crisis of identity, with younger citizens increasingly questioning its role in a modern democracy.
“Strong organizations depend on the public’s belief in their stability. Once that belief is broken, recovery becomes very difficult,” he said.
The analyst also suggested that President Suluhu’s recent actions may have placed the final nail in CCM’s political coffin, saying the party’s glory days may be over unless it carries out serious reforms.
According to Manyora, the Tanzanian ruling party is currently facing a crisis of identity, with younger citizens increasingly questioning its role in a modern democracy.
He argued that the current leadership has failed to connect with the new generation, leaving room for opposition parties to grow.
He warned that without genuine political dialogue and openness, Tanzania risks sliding into political tension similar to what other African nations have faced after disputed elections.
“Suluhu’s administration must open up the political space and allow Tanzanians to speak freely. Otherwise, the country will keep repeating the same mistakes,” Manyora added.
Manyora also hinted that President Suluhu may face growing pressure within CCM that could shorten her political career.
He warned that without genuine political dialogue and openness, Tanzania risks sliding into political tension similar to what other African nations have faced after disputed elections.
“Suluhu’s administration must open up the political space and allow Tanzanians to speak freely. Otherwise, the country will keep repeating the same mistakes,” Manyora added.
Manyora also hinted that President Suluhu may face growing pressure within CCM that could shorten her political career.
He noted that despite taking over the presidency after the death of John Pombe Magufuli, Suluhu has struggled to unite the party and maintain Magufuli’s loyal supporters.
“Suluhu might not complete her full term if the party’s internal power struggles continue,” he said.
“She has created new enemies within and outside CCM.”
Political observers have also echoed Manyora’s concerns, saying the aftermath of the 2025 election has left Tanzania deeply divided.
Political observers have also echoed Manyora’s concerns, saying the aftermath of the 2025 election has left Tanzania deeply divided.
Human rights groups have accused the government of silencing dissent, while opposition figures insist they will continue to fight for justice and democracy.
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