Suluhu declared winner of Tanzania’s disputed polls
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of the country’s disputed presidential election with nearly 98 percent of the vote following the exclusion of her main rivals. The electoral commission announced on Saturday that Hassan secured 97.66 percent of the vote dominating every constituency nationwide. A swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place later in the day.
The election which also involved parliamentary races sparked days of violent protests across major cities. Demonstrators protested against the barring or prevention of Hassan’s main opponents from running and accused the government of widespread repression. Despite a heavy security presence, election day turned chaotic with reports of protesters tearing down Hassan’s banners, setting fire to government buildings and police responding with tear gas and gunfire.
Chadema, the main opposition party barred from participating reported that approximately 700 people had been killed in the unrest according to figures from hospitals and clinics. The UN human rights office cited credible reports indicating at least 10 deaths in three cities.
Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo defended the government’s actions, telling journalists that the election was conducted fairly and that no excessive force had been used. He dismissed reports of widespread violence, stating, “No official figures” on protesters killed and expressing skepticism about the opposition’s claimed death toll.
Hassan, who ascended to the presidency in 2021 following the sudden death of John Magufuli, faced 16 candidates from smaller parties. Notably, Chadema leader Tundu Lissu has been imprisoned for months on treason charges after calling for electoral reforms which he argues are necessary for free and fair elections. Another opposition figure, Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo was barred from running.
Human rights groups have accused Hassan’s administration of a “wave of terror” in the lead-up to the vote, citing high-profile abductions and escalating repression. The government has rejected these criticisms.
Since the unrest began, President Hassan has not made any public statements. The situation has drawn international concern with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressing “deep concern” over reports of deaths and injuries during the protests.
