Tanzania’s National Electoral Commission has declared President Samia Suluhu Hassan the winner of the country’s disputed general election, securing nearly 98% of the vote. The announcement, made on Saturday, comes after days of nationwide unrest that has left multiple people dead and raised fresh concerns over the country’s democratic trajectory.
The landslide victory grants President Hassan a new five-year term to lead the East African nation of 68 million people. Hassan, who first assumed office in 2021 following the death of former President John Magufuli, has faced growing criticism from the opposition and civil society groups over her administration’s handling of political dissent and press freedoms.
Widespread Protests and Violence
Protests erupted across several Tanzanian cities during and after Wednesday’s presidential and parliamentary elections. Witnesses reported that angry demonstrators tore down campaign banners bearing the president’s image, set fire to government buildings, and clashed with police, who responded with tear gas and live ammunition.
The unrest was sparked by what opposition parties described as “a rigged and repressive election process,” after the electoral commission disqualified President Hassan’s two main challengers ahead of the vote.
Conflicting Death Toll Reports
Tanzania’s main opposition party claimed on Friday that hundreds of people had been killed during the protests. However, the United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) cited credible reports of at least 10 deaths across three major cities.
Government officials have dismissed the opposition’s figures as exaggerated, maintaining that the situation is under control and defending the election as “peaceful and legitimate.”
Mounting International Concern
While international observers have yet to release a comprehensive report, several rights organisations have expressed alarm over increased political repression and the lack of transparency in Tanzania’s electoral process.
News agency Reuters noted that it could not independently verify casualty figures due to restricted access and the ongoing internet blackout imposed amid the protests.
With the country still tense and opposition leaders vowing to contest the results, Tanzania now faces a crucial test of stability and governance under President Hassan’s renewed leadership.
