Violence Amid Tanzania's Presidential Elections: A Call for Justice

Sun Nov 02 2025 21:38:23 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Following a controversial election win, Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan faces widespread unrest with reports of violence and casualties. The response from the international community raises concerns over human rights and electoral fairness.

Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of the presidential election, securing 98% of the votes amidst claims of electoral fraud and significant unrest across the country. As opposition leaders remain imprisoned or barred from running, international observers have expressed concern regarding the lack of transparency. Reports indicate hundreds may have died in clashes between security forces and protestors denouncing the elections as undemocratic. With an internet shutdown limiting verification of the situation, the government attempts to quell unrest with curfews and a narrative of isolated incidents. Human rights organizations highlight severe repression leading up to the elections, prompting calls for accountability.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of Tanzania's presidential election, securing another term amidst days of unrest across the country. Samia won 98% of the votes in Wednesday's poll, the electoral commission announced. In her victory speech on Saturday, she stated the election was 'free and democratic', accusing protesters of being 'unpatriotic'.

Opposition parties, however, have rejected the results, arguing the elections were a mockery of democracy as their main challengers were imprisoned or prevented from running. Concerns regarding the transparency of the electoral process have been echoed by international observers, particularly in the light of reported violence that may have left hundreds dead and injured.

The nationwide internet shutdown has further complicated efforts to verify casualty figures. Amid ongoing turmoil, the government has attempted to downplay the scale of violence while extending curfews to restore order.

Upon receiving her victory certificate, Samia expressed gratitude towards security forces for their role in ensuring voting proceeded despite the unrest. She condemned the violence, labeling it unpatriotic.

Samia secured approximately 31.9 million votes, with a reported turnout nearing 87% of the nation's registered voters. Meanwhile, in the semi-autonomous region of Zanzibar, her party's candidate won nearly 80% of the votes, though opposition claims substantial electoral fraud.

Young protestors led demonstrations against the elections, accusing the government of undermining democracy through the suppression of opposition leaders. Reports from various sources indicate that clashes with security forces have been deadly, with estimates of fatalities varying significantly.

In light of the situation, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern about the violence and the need to prevent further escalation, a sentiment echoed by several governments including those of the UK, Canada, and Norway.

Previously, rights organizations had condemned government actions leading up to the polls, citing a 'wave of terror' against opposition figures. As human rights abuses continue to be reported, the future of democratic governance in Tanzania hangs in the balance.