Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been re-elected in a landslide, winning 97.66 percent of the vote, according to official results announced by the Tanzanian Electoral Commission on state television on Saturday, November 1.
The election was marred by widespread controversy, including the jailing or disqualification of key opposition candidates, violent clashes, and a nationwide communications blackout. State television reported that Hassan would be swiftly sworn in following the announcement.
The main opposition party, Chadema, alleged that security forces killed hundreds of protesters after unrest erupted on election day, Wednesday, October 29. A party spokesperson told AFP that around 700 people had died, citing hospital and clinic reports nationwide. Security and diplomatic sources in Dar es Salaam confirmed that the death toll was likely in the hundreds.
Hassan, 65, who first assumed office in 2021 following the sudden death of President John Magufuli, has faced internal resistance from factions within the ruling party and the military. Analysts say the election was largely seen as an effort to consolidate her authority and quell critics within her ranks.
Human rights groups accused the government of orchestrating a “wave of terror” in the lead-up to the polls, citing abductions, arrests, and intimidation of opposition figures and activists. Chadema’s presidential candidate was barred from running and reportedly faces treason charges.
Despite a heavy security presence, election day descended into chaos, with protesters tearing down campaign posters, clashing with police, and setting polling stations on fire. The unrest prompted authorities to impose a nationwide curfew and shut down the internet. A security source described the situation as “unprecedented in recent Tanzanian history.”
Hassan has not publicly commented since the violence began. The government has denied allegations of excessive force but restricted media access and blocked news websites, making independent verification difficult.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed being “deeply concerned” by reports of deaths and injuries, calling on authorities to exercise restraint and uphold human rights.
Public criticism has also targeted Hassan’s son, Abdul Halim Hafidh Ameir, accused by critics of coordinating the crackdown. While some unconfirmed reports suggested that parts of the military sided with protesters, Army Chief Jacob Mkunda publicly reaffirmed loyalty to the president on October 30, denouncing demonstrators as “criminals.”
Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, speaking to Al Jazeera, dismissed reports of mass casualties, stating:
“Currently, no excessive force has been used. There’s no number until now of any protesters killed.”
