President Hassan declared winner in disputed Tanzania election as protests turn deadly
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of a landslide election, securing 97.66 percent of the vote, according to official results released on Saturday, November 1. However, the outcome has been marred by widespread violence, internet shutdowns, and allegations of state repression.
The election, held on Wednesday, October 29, saw major opposition party Chadema barred from participation, while its leader remains on trial for treason. Opposition figures and rights groups have accused security forces of launching a brutal crackdown on protesters who took to the streets across the country, demanding a fair vote.
Chadema claimed that around 700 people have been killed since protests began on election day, citing reports gathered from hospitals and clinics. Independent sources told AFP that the death toll was “in the hundreds.” The government, however, has denied using excessive force, saying it has “no figures” on any fatalities.
President Hassan, who first rose to power in 2021 following the death of her predecessor John Magufuli, has not addressed the nation since the unrest began. Analysts suggest her overwhelming victory was aimed at consolidating power amid divisions within the ruling party and resistance from some army factions.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the escalating situation, urging restraint and respect for human rights. Meanwhile, Tanzania remains under a nationwide curfew with a tight security lockdown and internet blackout, making it difficult for journalists to verify the full extent of the crisis.
Much of the public anger has reportedly been directed at Hassan’s son, Abdul Halim Hafidh Ameir, accused by opposition supporters of overseeing the security crackdown. Despite unconfirmed reports of army defections in some regions, military leaders have reaffirmed their loyalty to the president, branding the demonstrators as “criminals.”
Tanzania now faces growing international pressure to restore order, lift restrictions on the press, and allow independent monitoring of the country’s political and human rights situation.
