Tanzania’s main opposition party, CHADEMA, has denounced President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s sweeping victory in recent elections, calling the results “completely fabricated” and claiming that no genuine election took place. The disputed polls have sparked violent demonstrations across the East African nation, leaving several people dead and prompting a government crackdown.
CHADEMA, which was barred from participating in the election after refusing to sign a government-imposed code of conduct, issued a statement late Saturday rejecting the results announced by the National Electoral Commission. “These results have no basis in reality,” the party said on X (formerly Twitter). “The countrywide demonstrations are clear proof that Tanzanians did not take part in what is being called an election and that they reject anyone emerging from this flawed process.”
The government has yet to respond to CHADEMA’s statement.
Violent clashes erupted during Wednesday’s vote for president and parliament, with eyewitnesses reporting that protesters tore down banners of President Hassan, set government buildings ablaze, and were met with tear gas and live gunfire from police.
CHADEMA claimed on Friday that hundreds were killed in the unrest, while the United Nations human rights office cited credible reports of at least 10 deaths across three cities. Demonstrators have condemned the exclusion of Hassan’s main challengers from the race and accused authorities of widespread arrests and abductions targeting opposition figures.
The government dismissed CHADEMA’s death toll as “hugely exaggerated” and defended its human rights record. Independent verification of the casualties remains unavailable.
Speaking in the administrative capital, Dodoma, after being certified as the winner, President Hassan criticized the demonstrations as “neither responsible nor patriotic.” She added, “When it comes to the security of Tanzania, there is no debate we must use all available means to ensure the country remains safe.”
Authorities have since imposed a nationwide curfew and restricted internet access. The unrest has also disrupted international flights and operations at the Dar es Salaam port, a key regional hub for fuel imports and mineral exports.
