Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured a resounding victory in the recent election, garnering over 31.9 million votes, which accounted for 97.66% of the total ballots cast. The election, marred by deadly protests, saw demonstrations erupt during the voting process, leading to clashes between protesters and security forces.
The exclusion of President Hassan’s key rivals from the election by the electoral commission sparked outrage among demonstrators, who accused the authorities of unfair practices. The protests escalated, resulting in the destruction of government property and clashes with law enforcement.
President Hassan, in a statement following her official victory declaration, condemned the protesters’ actions as irresponsible and unpatriotic, emphasizing the importance of maintaining national security.
The main opposition party, Chadema, alleged that hundreds of individuals had lost their lives during the unrest. However, the government dismissed these claims as exaggerated, stating that only a few incidents of violence occurred due to criminal elements.
International flights were canceled, and the port operations in Dar es Salaam were disrupted following the imposition of a nationwide curfew and internet restrictions by the authorities. The United Nations called for a thorough investigation into the reported use of excessive force during the protests.
President Hassan, who succeeded the late John Magufuli, has faced criticism for alleged human rights violations and suppression of dissent. Despite initial praise for her governance style, recent events have raised concerns among opposition groups and activists.
The voter turnout in the election, reaching nearly 87% of registered voters, has drawn scrutiny from critics, who noted disparities with previous election figures. President Hassan has highlighted infrastructure development and energy sector improvements as achievements during her tenure.
