Tanzanian President Hassan Secures Re-Election Amidst Protests and information Blackout
DAR ES SALAAM, October 30 – Samia Suluhu Hassan has been re-elected as President of Tanzania following Wednesday’s elections, though the results are shadowed by widespread protests, allegations of suppression of the opposition, and a nationwide internet shutdown. Early reports suggest Hassan secured a landslide victory, with unofficial tallies indicating approximately 98 percent of the vote.
The election and its aftermath have been marked by significant unrest. Demonstrations erupted across the country throughout the week, with protestors reportedly tearing down presidential posters and setting fire to government buildings. The protests stem from the exclusion of key opposition figures from the electoral process.
The largest opposition party, the party of Democracy and Progress (Chadema), was barred from parliamentary elections due to its members’ failure to sign the electoral code of conduct. chadema leader Tundu Lissu was arrested at a rally and charged with high treason. Simultaneously,Luhagi Mpina,the candidate from the second-largest opposition party,ACT-Wazalendo,was prevented from running by Tanzania’s prosecutor general.
Police responded to the demonstrations with tear gas and, according to reports, live firearms. The lack of internet access in Tanzania is hindering verification of casualty figures. While opposition groups claim ”hundreds” have died in the clashes,the UN Human Rights Office reports credible evidence of at least 10 fatalities in three cities.
Tanzanian Foreign minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo told the BBC that “there where no reports of casualties and there was no excessive use of force,” and defended the internet shutdown as a necessary measure to “stop acts of vandalism and save human lives.”
Hassan assumed the presidency in 2021 following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, having previously served as vice President from 2015-2021. Initially praised for easing government repression, Hassan has faced increasing criticism in recent months over numerous arrests and alleged kidnappings of opposition members. While she stated she ordered an examination into the kidnapping reports, no official findings have been released.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged all parties to “exercise restraint, rejection of violence, and engage in open and constructive dialog to prevent further escalation.”
Sources: Reuters, BBC.
