President Samia Suluhu Hassan has won Tanzania’s presidential election with a staggering 98% of the vote, but the victory is overshadowed by deadly un
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has won Tanzania’s presidential election with a staggering 98% of the vote, but the victory is overshadowed by deadly unrest that has reportedly claimed hundreds of lives.
The electoral commission announced that she received approximately 31.9 million votes out of 32 million cast, representing a turnout of nearly 87%.
Her landslide victory under the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party was declared amid widespread criticism from international observers, who raised concerns about transparency and fairness.
The exclusion of her two main challengers—either jailed or barred from contesting—has fueled accusations of repression and electoral manipulation.
The announcement of the results triggered a wave of violent protests across major cities, including Dar es Salaam. Demonstrators, angered by the lack of competition and alleged vote rigging, clashed with security forces, tore down campaign posters, and set fire to government buildings.
Riot police responded with tear gas and live ammunition, leading to chaos and panic. The opposition claims that around 700 people have been killed in just three days of unrest, although the exact death toll remains difficult to verify due to a nationwide internet blackout.
In response to the escalating violence, the government has extended curfews and downplayed the severity of the situation.
Authorities insist that the unrest is being contained, but eyewitness reports and leaked footage suggest otherwise.
The internet shutdown has further complicated efforts to document the crisis, leaving families and journalists in the dark. Despite the turmoil, President Samia has vowed to restore order and continue her development agenda, though critics argue that her administration must first address the deepening political divide and public mistrust.
As Tanzania grapples with the aftermath of the election, the international community watches closely.
Human rights organisations have called for independent investigations into the violence and urged the government to lift restrictions on communication and assembly.
The events have cast a long shadow over what was meant to be a democratic milestone, raising urgent questions about governance, accountability, and the future of political opposition in the East African nation.
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