Tanzania’s National Electoral Commission (NEC) has officially declared President Samia Suluhu Hassan the winner of the October 30 general election, securing 97 percent of the vote. Her main challenger, Tundu Lissu of the CHADEMA opposition party, received just over one percent. The result grants President Hassan her first full five-year term since taking over from the late John Magufuli in 2021.
However, the announcement sparked widespread unrest across the country. Protests erupted in major cities including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Mwanza as demonstrators clashed with police. Eyewitnesses reported heavy use of tear gas and rubber bullets. Medical staff at local hospitals confirmed multiple fatalities and dozens of injuries, though official figures have not yet been released by the authorities. Human rights organizations have called for restraint and transparency as tensions continue to rise.
Opposition leader Tundu Lissu rejected the results, calling the election “deeply flawed” and accusing the government of voter intimidation and ballot irregularities. Lissu urged supporters to protest peacefully and demanded an independent review of the election process. Shortly after his statement, internet monitoring groups such as NetBlocks reported disruptions to major social media and messaging platforms, suggesting government-imposed restrictions aimed at limiting public mobilization online.
International observers and regional bodies have urged calm and dialogue. The African Union and the East African Community both expressed concern over the situation and called on all political actors to respect democratic principles. Several foreign embassies in Dar es Salaam have advised their citizens to remain cautious and avoid large gatherings until stability returns.
As of Saturday, security forces maintain a heavy presence in urban centers, though reports indicate that calm is gradually returning. Some businesses have reopened, but internet access remains limited in parts of the country. The opposition has vowed to challenge the NEC’s decision through legal means, setting the stage for continued political tension in the days ahead.
Tanzania now faces a critical moment in its democratic journey – one that will test the resilience of its institutions, the patience of its people, and the leadership of its first female president.
