Tanzania's ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party formally presented energy minister Doto Biteko as its vice-presidential candidate on Saturday, completing the ticket for President Samia Suluhu Hassan ahead of the October general election. The party confirmed the choice at its headquarters in Dodoma.

CCM's central committee selected Biteko this week to replace the sitting vice-president. Party leaders framed the move as part of a generational shift within the government. Biteko, who has overseen Tanzania's energy portfolio, has been a prominent figure in the party's economic messaging.

Samia has led Tanzania since 2021, when she succeeded the late John Magufuli, becoming the country's first female president. Opposition parties, including Chadema, have accused the government of restricting political space and detaining rivals in the run-up to the poll.

The endorsement locks in CCM's leadership line-up for a party that has governed Tanzania without interruption since independence-era rule. Analysts at Tanzanian civil society groups have warned that the credibility of the October contest will depend on whether opposition candidates are allowed to campaign freely.

A senior CCM official said at the announcement: "This ticket represents both continuity and renewal for our nation," according to state broadcaster TBC.