DODOMA: Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of the country’s disputed presidential election with nearly 98 percent of the vote, in a poll marred by violence, mass arrests, and the exclusion of leading opposition figures.
The electoral commission announced on Saturday that Hassan secured 97.66 percent of Wednesday’s ballots, sweeping all constituencies. State media reported that her swearing-in ceremony would take place later the same day in Dodoma.
However, the opposition party Chadema, which was barred from participating in the election, described the outcome as a mockery of democracy.
We are calling for the intervention of a credible international body to oversee a fresh election, said John Kitoka, a spokesman for the party.
The poll, which also decided parliamentary seats, triggered days of violent protests across major cities.
Demonstrators decried what they called the government’s systematic suppression of opposition voices and the barring of key candidates, including Tundu Lissu, Chadema’s jailed leader, who is facing treason charges.
Witnesses reported that security forces used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse protesters, while government buildings were torched in parts of Dar es Salaam.
Internet watchdog NetBlocks confirmed widespread social media restrictions during and after the vote.
Chadema claims that up to 800 people were killed in the unrest though the UN Human Rights Office cited at least 10 confirmed deaths in three cities.
Tanzania’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo rejected accusations of excessive force, telling reporters the election was fair and that the government had no official figures on casualties.
President Hassan, addressing the nation after her victory, defended the security crackdown.
When it comes to Tanzania’s security, there is no debate. We must use all available measures to keep the country safe, she said.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was deeply concerned by the situation, urging restraint and respect for human rights.
Hassan, who became Tanzania’s first female president in 2021 after the death of her predecessor John Magufuli, faced 16 minor candidates in the latest election none seen as credible challengers.
Rights groups have accused her administration of authoritarianism, including abductions and intimidation of critics ahead of the polls, allegations the government denies.
