Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of the country’s general election, securing a landslide victory with 97.66 percent of the votes cast.
According to the Tanzanian Electoral Commission, Suluhu garnered 31.9 million votes out of the 37 million registered voters, while her closest rival, Chaumu, managed just 213,414 votes (0.65 percent).
The announcement came three days after voting concluded on Wednesday, October 29, in an election that has drawn widespread criticism and triggered violent demonstrations in several parts of the country.
Protests and Violence Erupt
Reports indicate that protests broke out across major Tanzanian cities, including Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Mwanza, as opposition supporters alleged massive electoral fraud and suppression.
Security forces clashed with demonstrators, firing tear gas and live rounds to disperse crowds. Gunfire was reportedly heard in Mwanza, while Dar es Salaam was placed under a dusk-to-dawn curfew, with regional authorities warning that any attempts to “disrupt the election process” would be met with firm action.
Despite the warnings, several polling stations were vandalized by angry youth who accused the government of undermining democracy.
Opposition Silenced
Main opposition leader Tundu Lissu spent the election period in detention, while another leading opposition figure was disqualified from contesting altogether. The developments have fueled international criticism, with rights groups accusing the state of repressing dissent and curtailing political freedoms.
An internet blackout has also been reported since election day, sparking fears of state censorship and restrictions on media freedom.
Suluhu’s Rise
President Suluhu, who ran on the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) ticket, was seeking her first direct mandate since taking over the presidency in 2021 following the death of John Magufuli.
A swearing-in ceremony is expected later today in Dodoma, though Suluhu has maintained a low public profile since the polls.
Regional leaders, including Kenya’s William Ruto and Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni, are among those expected to congratulate the re-elected president amid growing tension within Tanzania’s borders.
Background
Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania’s first female president, has been praised for her calm leadership style but criticized by opposition parties and rights groups for failing to open up political space. Her overwhelming victory extends the CCM’s six-decade dominance in Tanzanian politics.