DAR ES SALAAM — Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of the nation’s recently contested presidential election, securing a second term in office amid widespread unrest that has left hundreds dead and injured. The announcement by the National Electoral Commission on Saturday has sparked both celebration among ruling party supporters and condemnation from opposition groups and international observers.
According to official figures, Samia, representing the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, won 97.66% of the vote, translating to approximately 31.9 million of the 32 million ballots cast on Wednesday. Voter turnout was reportedly nearly 87% of the country’s 37.6 million registered voters. Electoral Commission Chairman Jacobs Mwambegele formally declared the results, hailing the process as reflective of Tanzania’s democratic traditions.
However, the election has been marred by allegations of fraud, voter suppression, and violence, raising serious concerns both domestically and internationally. Opposition parties have criticized the electoral process as unfair and untransparent, while human rights organizations report that post-election unrest has left hundreds of citizens either dead or injured.
The government has responded to the unrest by imposing a nationwide curfew and maintaining an internet blackout, complicating independent verification of the results and restricting coverage of protests and clashes. Authorities have characterized the incidents as “isolated,” though footage from Dar es Salaam and other major cities shows demonstrators confronting police, tearing down campaign posters, and expressing anger at what they describe as a rigged election.
Samia Suluhu Declared Winner of Tanzania’s Presidential Election Amid Unrest and Controversy
Most protesters are young Tanzanians who feel disenfranchised by the election process, particularly in light of the exclusion or arrest of key opposition leaders. Among those barred from running were Tundu Lissu of Chadema and Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, both prominent figures who have historically challenged CCM dominance. Sixteen smaller parties participated, but their impact on the results was minimal in a political landscape historically dominated by CCM and its predecessor TANU since independence.
In Zanzibar, CCM’s incumbent Hussein Mwinyi also secured re-election, winning nearly 80% of the vote. Opposition groups in the semi-autonomous region alleged “massive fraud”, yet Mwinyi was swiftly sworn in on Saturday, consolidating CCM’s control over both the mainland and Zanzibar.
The international community has voiced deep concern over the reports of violence and the exclusion of opposition candidates. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged all parties to exercise restraint, calling for measures to prevent further escalation of the unrest. Likewise, governments from the United Kingdom, Canada, and Norway released statements highlighting the need for Tanzania to uphold democratic principles and human rights.
Observers point out that the combination of a lopsided electoral result, restricted media coverage, and an internet shutdown makes independent verification nearly impossible. This has fueled skepticism about the credibility of the vote and the integrity of Tanzania’s electoral institutions.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan first assumed office in March 2021 following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, becoming Tanzania’s first female president. Her administration has been marked by efforts to steer the country toward economic growth, maintain political stability, and gradually re-engage with international partners following Magufuli’s isolationist policies.
Now entering a second term, Samia faces the daunting task of restoring calm amid a politically polarized environment and international scrutiny. Her government must balance enforcing order with respecting citizens’ rights to express dissent, while also addressing concerns of electoral transparency and the marginalization of opposition voices.
Analysts note that the post-election violence underscores deep-rooted frustrations among Tanzanians, particularly the youth, who feel excluded from meaningful political participation. The government’s response in the coming days will be closely watched as a test of Samia’s ability to unite a divided nation and uphold the democratic principles she has publicly championed.
Tanzania’s recent election has reaffirmed CCM’s dominance under Samia Suluhu Hassan, but it has also revealed significant political tensions and dissatisfaction among opposition supporters. As the country grapples with unrest, fatalities, and allegations of electoral malpractice, the new term presents both an opportunity and a challenge for Samia to demonstrate leadership, restore confidence in democratic institutions, and ensure the safety and inclusion of all Tanzanians.
The coming weeks will likely determine whether Tanzania can navigate its political divisions peacefully or whether further unrest will intensify domestic and international concerns over governance and human rights.
Source- NehandaRadio
