Tanzania’s electoral commission has declared that President Samia Suluhu Hassan has won, with nearly 98 per cent of the votes.
The October 29 election was marred by violence as demonstrators took to the streets of major cities to protest the vote.
Some demonstrators were seen tearing down banners.
While official figures on voter turnout and total ballots cast were not immediately available, Suluhu’s ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), claimed a decisive win across all regions.
According to reports, several opposition parties were either barred or boycotted the vote, citing harassment, arrests and restrictions on campaign activities.
International outlets, including Reuters, The Guardian, reported that protests broke out in major cities as results were being tallied, with security forces dispersing demonstrators using tear gas.
Demonstrators accused the government of orchestrating a “sham election” after opposition parties were denied registration or had their rallies blocked.
Human rights groups and opposition activists claimed that hundreds were killed or injured during clashes with police, allegations the government dismissed as “gross exaggerations.”
The Guardian cited opposition sources as saying that up to 700 people may have died in the post-election violence, though this figure has not been independently verified.
Authorities confirmed several arrests but gave no official death toll.
“The situation is under control,” government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa told reporters, urging citizens to “remain calm and respect the law.”
The government has since downplayed reports of violence, saying “peace and order have been restored.”
“The people of Tanzania have chosen continuity and stability,” the electoral commission said in a statement following the announcement. Suluhu’s near-unanimous victory drew mixed reactions.
Supporters celebrated in Dar es Salaam, waving CCM flags and chanting her name, while critics questioned the credibility of the election.
“This was not a competitive election,” a regional political analyst told Reuters.
“The opposition was either silenced or sidelined. The outcome was never in doubt.”
Suluhu, who became Tanzania’s first female president in 2021 following the death of John Magufuli, campaigned on a platform of stability and economic growth.
Her administration has sought to reopen the country to investors and international partners while maintaining tight political control at home.
Observers say her second term will test her ability to balance economic progress with growing calls for political reforms and human rights protections.
Suluhu is expected to be sworn in soon for a second term.
by SHARON MWENDE
