The opposition has rejected the results as protests erupt over candidate disqualifications
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has secured a landslide victory in the country’s general election, winning more than 97% of the vote, according to the official results announced by the electoral commission on Saturday.
The outcome grants Hassan her first full five-year term as an elected head of state. She initially assumed the presidency in March 2021 following the death of former President John Magufuli, completing the remainder of his term.
The Tanzania Electoral Commission reported voter turnout of nearly 87% among the country’s 37.6 million registered voters. Hassan received more than 31.9 million votes – 97.66% of the total.
The election, which was held on Wednesday, was marred by widespread unrest. According to a local news agency, demonstrations broke out in several regions, with protesters tearing down campaign posters bearing Hassan’s image and setting government buildings ablaze. Police reportedly responded with tear gas and live ammunition to disperse the crowds.
The US Embassy reported major road closures, including to the international airport. Tanzania’s police chief, Camelius Wambura, announced the start of a curfew at 6pm local time (15:00 GMT). In addition, the country experienced a major internet disruption.
The protests were triggered by the disqualification of two main opposition candidates. Among those targeted was Tundu Lissu, the leader of the opposition Chadema party, who has been in detention for months on treason charges. Lissu had called for electoral reform, arguing that credible elections cannot be held without structural changes. Another opposition figure, Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, was also barred from the race.
In a statement issued late Saturday, Chadema said it “strongly rejects the so-called election results” that awarded victory to Hassan.
The Tanzanian authorities have not provided official figures on casualties resulting from the post-election violence. Seif Magango, the spokesperson for the UN human rights office, said on Friday that credible reports indicated at least ten fatalities occurred in Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga, and Morogoro.
