No Reforms, No Elections: Tanzanian Youth Call for Electoral Reforms Ahead of 2025 Elections

A wave of online activism has swept through Tanzania as citizens, particularly young people, rally behind the slogan “No Reforms, No Elections” in a call for electoral changes ahead of the country’s general elections scheduled for October 2025.

The slogan, first popularized by the opposition party Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), has gained momentum across social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). Users are posting the phrase under government content, demanding an overhaul of the electoral commission and legal framework before they agree to participate in the upcoming vote.

Much of the movement’s traction can be attributed to Tanzanian-born activist and social media influencer Mange Kimambi, who lives in the United States. Kimambi has been urging Tanzanians online to use the slogan widely as a form of peaceful digital protest. Since then, nearly every government post online has seen a flood of comments echoing the demand for reforms.

At the heart of the protest is a growing concern over the credibility of the electoral process. Many Tanzanians have expressed fears that without significant reforms, the elections will not be free or fair. The online campaign underscores a broader call for transparency and trust in the institutions overseeing the country’s democratic processes.

In response to the viral slogan, the Tanzanian government has attempted to counter the narrative. Government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa dismissed the trend in comments made to local media. In addition, a new counter-slogan — “October Tunatiki,” a Swahili phrase meaning “We shall vote in October” — has emerged from government-aligned voices as a show of confidence in the electoral timeline.

The trend has also drawn attention to the state of digital rights in the country. Authorities recently restricted access to the X platform, prompting users to rely on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to continue participating in online discourse. Human rights organizations have criticized the move, calling it a suppression of free expression and access to information.

Tanzania’s growing digital protest mirrors a similar movement in neighboring Kenya, where young people known as “Gen Z” are advocating for leadership change under the slogan “Wantam,” meaning “One Term,” ahead of Kenya’s 2027 elections.

As October 2025 approaches, the increasing pressure from Tanzania’s online community signals a rising demand for democratic accountability and institutional reform. The conversation continues to evolve both online and offline as citizens prepare to shape the future of their democracy.