Key Highlights
- Samia Suluhu Hassan re-elected as Tanzania’s president with 98% of the votes.
- Hundreds feared dead in unrest during the election period.
- The opposition criticized the election, accusing the government of undermining democracy.
- International observers expressed concerns over transparency and the scale of violence.
Election Results: Samia Suluhu Hassan Secures Second Term
Tanzania’s first female president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has been declared the winner in the country’s presidential election, securing another term in office. According to the electoral commission, she won 98% of the votes, with a turnout nearing 87% of the country’s 37.6 million registered voters.
Samia secured about 31.9 million votes, or 97.66% of the total. In Zanzibar, which elects its own government and leader, CCM’s Hussein Mwinyi, who is the incumbent president, won with nearly 80% of the vote.
Unrest and Concerns Amidst Election Violence
The days leading up to and following the election have been marked by unrest across Tanzania. Demonstrations in major cities like Dar es Salaam led to the tearing down of Samia’s posters and attacks on police and polling stations, despite warnings from the army chief for protesters to end their activities.
International observers and local officials expressed concerns over the lack of transparency and widespread turmoil. The government has sought to play down the scale of violence, with Mahmoud Kombo Thabit, the foreign minister, describing it as “a few isolated pockets of incidents here and there.” However, reports from the BBC suggest that at least 500 people have died.
According to a spokesperson from the opposition Chadema party, around 700 people had been killed in clashes with security forces.
The United Nations chief Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern about the situation and urged all parties involved to prevent further escalation. The UK, Canada, and Norway have also expressed similar concerns, citing credible reports of a large number of fatalities and significant injuries.
Background and Context
Tanzania’s first female president came into office in 2021 following the death of President John Magufuli. Samia’s ruling party, CCM, and its predecessor Tanu, have dominated the country’s politics since independence and have never lost an election.
Ahead of the election, rights groups condemned government repression, with Amnesty International citing a “wave of terror” involving enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings of opposition figures. The government rejected these claims and said the election would be free and fair.
The two main opposition contenders were Tundu Lissu, who is being held on treason charges which he denies, and Luhaga Mpina of the ACT-Wazalendo party.
Both were excluded on legal technicalities. Sixteen fringe parties with no significant public support were allowed to run.
Future Implications and Analysis
The election results and subsequent unrest highlight ongoing challenges in Tanzania’s democratic processes, particularly regarding transparency, freedom of assembly, and the treatment of opposition figures. The government’s response to protests has drawn scrutiny from both domestic and international observers, raising questions about its commitment to democratic principles.
As Samia Suluhu Hassan prepares for her second term, she will face a complex landscape marked by economic challenges, social unrest, and political polarization. Ensuring the peaceful resolution of post-election tensions and addressing the root causes of the violence will be critical for maintaining stability in the country moving forward.
