Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of the country’s highly disputed presidential election, securing 97.66 percent of the vote after most major opposition figures were excluded from the race.
The electoral commission announced the results on Saturday, confirming Hassan’s sweeping victory across all constituencies. A swearing-in ceremony was scheduled to take place later in the day, according to state media.
The election, held on Wednesday, was marred by widespread unrest and violence. Protests erupted in major cities after opposition leaders were barred from contesting, with demonstrators accusing the government of repression and electoral manipulation.
Witnesses reported chaotic scenes as protesters tore down campaign posters, set fire to public buildings, and clashed with security forces. Police reportedly fired tear gas and live rounds to disperse crowds.
The main opposition party, Chadema, which was prevented from participating, claimed that around 700 people were killed in the post-election violence — figures gathered through reports from hospitals and clinics. However, the UN human rights office said it had confirmed at least 10 deaths in three cities.
Tanzania’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo dismissed the allegations of excessive force, telling Al Jazeera that the government had no official record of mass casualties. “No excessive force has been used,” he said. “I’ve not seen these 700 anywhere.”
President Hassan, who took office in 2021 following the sudden death of former President John Magufuli, faced 16 minor-party candidates in the election. Prominent opposition leader Tundu Lissu remains imprisoned on treason charges, while Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo was barred from running.
Human rights groups accused the government of launching a “wave of terror” in the buildup to the election, citing kidnappings and intimidation of opposition members. The government has rejected all such claims.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the situation, calling for restraint and respect for human rights amid reports of “deaths and injuries during demonstrations.”
President Hassan has not yet issued any public statement regarding the violence or the allegations surrounding the vote.
