Post by : Rameen Ariff

Dar es Salaam (Nov 1, 2025): Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of the country’s presidential election, claiming an overwhelming 98% of the votes in a contest marred by violence, unrest, and accusations of fraud.

The electoral commission announced Saturday that President Samia, representing the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, secured 31.9 million votes out of nearly 32 million ballots cast, with voter turnout at 87%. However, international observers and opposition leaders have raised serious concerns about the fairness and transparency of the election process.

Nation in Turmoil as Internet Blackout Blocks Information

The election, held on Wednesday, has plunged the country into chaos, with widespread protests erupting across Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Arusha. Internet services have been partially shut down, making it difficult for journalists and human rights groups to verify reports of violence.

Opposition groups allege that hundreds of people have been killed in clashes with security forces. The Chadema party claims that “around 700” demonstrators have died, while diplomatic sources have cited credible evidence of at least 500 fatalities.

Authorities, however, have downplayed the violence, calling it “isolated incidents.” Foreign Minister Mahmoud Kombo Thabit said security forces acted “swiftly and decisively” to maintain order.

Protests and Police Crackdown

Despite warnings from the army chief, protests continued into Friday, with demonstrators tearing down campaign posters and setting barricades on fire. By Saturday morning, Dar es Salaam remained tense, with military checkpoints at major intersections and limited public movement.

The protests have been largely driven by young Tanzanians, who accuse the government of suppressing democracy. Several opposition leaders were either jailed or barred from running, including Tundu Lissu, detained on treason charges, and Luhaga Mpina, disqualified on technical grounds.

International Outcry Over Election Violence

The global community has reacted sharply to the unfolding crisis. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed “deep concern” over the reports of deaths and injuries, urging all sides to prevent further escalation.

The United Kingdom, Canada, and Norway have also voiced alarm, citing “credible reports of large-scale fatalities and injuries” due to the heavy-handed response of Tanzanian security forces.

Zanzibar and the Ruling Party’s Continued Grip

In Zanzibar, which holds semi-autonomous status, CCM’s Hussein Mwinyi was re-elected with nearly 80% of the vote, though opposition parties labeled the process as “massively fraudulent.”

Since independence, CCM and its predecessor TANU have never lost an election, maintaining an iron grip on Tanzanian politics for decades.

Background: From Reformer to Controversy

Samia Suluhu Hassan, who became Tanzania’s first female president in 2021 after the death of John Magufuli, initially earned praise for her moderate stance and promises of reform. However, critics say her administration has increasingly adopted authoritarian measures, silencing dissent and curbing press freedom.

Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have accused her government of overseeing enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings of opposition figures — claims that the government strongly denies.

Curfew Extended, Tensions Remain High

As unrest continues, the Tanzanian government has extended a nationwide curfew, urging citizens to remain calm. The electoral commission insists that the process was “free and fair,” while opposition parties vow to challenge the results both domestically and internationally.

Despite the landslide win, President Samia faces mounting pressure to restore peace, ensure justice, and rebuild public trust in Tanzania’s democratic process.

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