Tanzania’s electoral commission announced that President Samia Suluhu Hassan has secured a sweeping victory with nearly 98% of the votes in the recent national election. The result gives Tanzania Hassan another five-year term to lead the East African nation of around 68 million people.
The election, however, sparked violent protests across the country. Demonstrators took to the streets after the commission barred Hassan’s two main opponents from running. Protesters burned government buildings and removed campaign banners, while police used tear gas and gunfire to disperse crowds, according to witnesses.
Opposition party CHADEMA claimed that hundreds were killed in the unrest, though the U.N. human rights office confirmed at least 10 deaths across three cities. The government rejected the higher figures, calling them “hugely exaggerated.” Reuters could not independently verify the casualties.
The electoral commission reported a voter turnout of 87%, with Tanzania Hassan receiving 31.9 million votes out of 37.6 million registered voters. Some polling stations reportedly experienced disruptions due to the protests.
Authorities have since imposed a nationwide curfew and limited internet access to prevent further violence. Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo denied claims of excessive force, stating that only “small pockets of incidents” occurred.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Tanzanian authorities to conduct a fair investigation into allegations of violence and excessive force, expressing concern over the loss of life.
Tanzania Hassan, who took office in 2021 after the death of her predecessor John Magufuli, initially earned praise for loosening political restrictions. However, her government has faced growing criticism over recent arrests and alleged abductions of opposition figures.
During her campaign, Hassan emphasized her achievements in expanding infrastructure and power generation. Yet, opposition parties, including CHADEMA and ACT-Wazalendo, were excluded from the race, leading critics to label the vote a “coronation” rather than a fair election.
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Despite international concern, the election result cements Hassan’s control over Tanzania’s political landscape for another term.
