Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of the country’s controversial election, securing 97.66% of the vote, according to results announced by the national electoral commission on state television on Saturday, November 1.
The landslide victory follows a highly disputed poll marked by the arrest and disqualification of key opposition contenders, widespread violence, and a nationwide communications shutdown.
State media reported that Hassan will be sworn in immediately following the announcement.
The main opposition party, Chadema, alleged that security forces killed hundreds of people after nationwide protests erupted on election day, Wednesday, October 29. According to a party spokesperson who spoke to AFP, “around 700 people were killed,” citing figures compiled from hospitals and clinics across the country.
Security and diplomatic sources in Dar es Salaam also confirmed that the death toll was “in the hundreds.”
Hassan, 65, who became president in 2021 after the sudden death of John Magufuli, has been facing growing resistance from factions within the ruling party and segments of the military. Analysts say this election was a bid to strengthen her grip on power and sideline internal critics.
Human rights groups accused the government of unleashing a “wave of terror” in the lead-up to the vote, pointing to alleged abductions, arrests, and intimidation targeting opposition figures and activists. Chadema and its presidential candidate were barred from contesting, with the party’s flagbearer reportedly standing trial for treason.
Despite heavy security presence, election day spiraled into violence as protesters destroyed campaign posters, clashed with police, and set several polling stations on fire. Authorities responded by imposing a nationwide curfew and shutting down internet access.
One security official described the unrest as “unprecedented in recent Tanzanian history.”
Hassan has not made any public remarks since the violence erupted. Her government has denied allegations of excessive force but has restricted media access and blocked multiple news websites, making independent verification of events difficult.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over reports of deaths and injuries, calling for restraint and respect for human rights.
Public anger has also focused on Hassan’s son, Abdul Halim Hafidh Ameir, who critics accuse of playing a role in coordinating the crackdown.
There were unconfirmed claims that some army units sympathized with protesters, but on Thursday, October 30, Army Chief Jacob Mkunda reaffirmed his loyalty to the president, labeling demonstrators “criminals.”
Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, in comments to Al Jazeera, dismissed reports of mass casualties, stating: “Currently, no excessive force has been used. There is no confirmed number of any protesters killed.”
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