President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been officially announced as the victor of Tanzania’s presidential election, securing her second term amid widespread unrest. She achieved approximately 98% of the votes cast in the election held on Wednesday, according to the Tanzanian electoral commission.
Tanzania Election Results Amid Unrest
In her victory address on Saturday, Samia stated that the election was “free and democratic” and criticized protesters as “unpatriotic.” Opposition parties have vehemently rejected the election results, claiming the voting process reflects a gross violation of democratic standards. Many prominent challengers to her rule were either imprisoned or prevented from participating.
International observers raised alarms about the election’s transparency and the accompanying violence that reportedly resulted in hundreds of casualties. A nationwide internet blackout made it challenging to confirm these reports. Despite claims of unrest, the government downplayed the violence and extended a curfew to maintain control.
Election Stats and Responses
Receiving her victory certificate, Samia, who is 65 years old, thanked the security forces for their role in ensuring that the election proceeded despite the violence. She remarked, “The incidents were not patriotic at all.” According to electoral commission chief Jacobs Mwambegele, Samia garnered around 31.9 million votes, which represented approximately 97.66% of the total votes cast. Voter turnout was reported to be nearly 87% among about 37.6 million registered voters.
- Votes for Samia Suluhu Hassan: 31.9 million (97.66%)
- Registered voters: 37.6 million
- Voter turnout: 87%
In the semiautonomous region of Zanzibar, the ruling party CCM’s Hussein Mwinyi was re-elected with almost 80% of the votes. However, accusations of “massive fraud” have emerged from the opposition parties in Zanzibar.
Protests and Government Reaction
Tensions remain palpable in major cities like Dar es Salaam, where security forces have established roadblocks. Protests erupted the day before the election results were announced, with demonstrators vandalizing government symbols and clashing with police. Young protestors, feeling disenfranchised, have been especially vocal against the election’s legitimacy.
According to a spokesperson from the opposition Chadema party, approximately 700 individuals may have died in the confrontations, while a source reported at least 500 fatalities. Foreign Minister Mahmoud Kombo Thabit described the violence as limited, asserting that security forces acted quickly to restore order.
International Concerns
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern over the unrest, urging all parties to avoid further escalation. Similar apprehensions have been voiced by the UK, Canada, and Norway, emphasizing reports of numerous injuries and deaths stemming from the government’s response to the protests.
Notably, the opposition included two significant candidates: Tundu Lissu, believed to be facing treason charges, and Luhaga Mpina, who encountered legal barriers preventing him from running. Sixteen smaller parties, lacking historical backing, participated in the election. Samia’s ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has maintained a firm grip on Tanzanian politics since independence, never losing an election.
Human rights organizations had criticized government actions leading up to the election, citing enforced disappearances and violence against opposition members. The government has dismissed these allegations, insisting that the electoral process was conducted fairly. Samia assumed office as Tanzania’s first female president after the death of former president John Magufuli in 2021.
