Tanzanian President Secures Landslide Victory in Contested Election
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of Tanzania's presidential election with a staggering 98 percent of the vote, according to the country's electoral commission. The victory comes amid violent protests that have left dozens dead and prompted international condemnation.
Deadly Protests and Military Response
The election, held on Wednesday, was marred by widespread violence as demonstrators took to the streets to protest the exclusion of Hassan's two main opponents from the race. 'We are witnessing a complete breakdown of democratic processes in Tanzania,' said a spokesperson for the opposition Chadema party, which claims 700 people have been killed in the unrest.
Security forces responded with live ammunition and tear gas, leading to clashes that resulted in multiple casualties. The United Nations human rights office reported at least ten confirmed deaths in cities including Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga, and Morogoro. 'The use of excessive force against peaceful protesters is deeply concerning,' stated UN Secretary-General António Guterres in an official statement.
International Response and Travel Warnings
The Netherlands has updated its travel advisory for Tanzania, urging Dutch citizens to remain indoors and avoid non-essential travel. The Dutch embassy in Dar es Salaam remains temporarily closed due to security concerns. Similar warnings have been issued by other Western nations, including the United States, which maintains a Level 3 'Reconsider Travel' advisory for the country.
The European Parliament condemned the election as 'neither free nor fair' in a joint declaration, while Amnesty International had previously warned about a pattern of enforced disappearances and arbitrary arrests in the lead-up to the vote.
Political Context and Historical Background
Hassan, who became Tanzania's first female president in 2021 following the death of her predecessor John Magufuli, initially appeared to adopt a more conciliatory approach than her authoritarian predecessor. However, recent years have seen increasing crackdowns on political opponents and activists.
The two main opposition candidates—Tundu Lissu of Chadema and Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo—were both barred from running. Lissu remains imprisoned on treason charges related to his calls for electoral reform, while Mpina was disqualified on technical grounds.
According to CNN reporting, the government has dismissed opposition death toll claims as 'hugely exaggerated' and denied allegations of excessive force by security services.
Current Security Measures
Authorities have implemented a nationwide curfew and restricted internet access across the country. The military has been deployed to maintain order, with checkpoints established in major cities and reports of house-to-house searches for opposition supporters.
Hassan is expected to be sworn in later today for a new five-year term, extending the ruling CCM party's decades-long grip on power in the East African nation of 68 million people.