Tanzania’s Electoral Commission
Tanzania’s National Electoral Commission has announced that President Samia Suluhu Hassan has secured a landslide victory in the country’s general elections held on 29 October 2025, garnering 97.66% of the vote. This equates to an overwhelming 31,913,866 votes in her favour, solidifying her position for a second term. However, the declaration comes against a backdrop of widespread protests, an ongoing internet blackout, and strong rejections from opposition parties who claim the polls were marred by irregularities and repression. As the East African nation grapples with post-election unrest, international observers and human rights groups are calling for transparency and calm, while Hassan’s supporters celebrate what they see as a mandate for continued stability.
Official Results Spark Immediate Backlash
The electoral body released the final tallies on Saturday, 1 November 2025, confirming Hassan’s dominant win over 16 lesser-known challengers from smaller parties. With a voter turnout reported at around 70%, the results show a clear sweep for the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party. Hassan’s main rivals were either jailed, barred from contesting, or forced to withdraw due to what critics describe as a systematic crackdown on opposition voices.
Opposition leaders have swiftly dismissed the outcome as fraudulent. The banned Chadema party, Tanzania’s largest opposition group, labelled the election a “sham” and demanded an independent audit. “This is not a reflection of the people’s will but a product of intimidation and manipulation,” a Chadema spokesperson stated. Similar sentiments echoed from other groups, pointing to pre-election arrests, voter suppression, and irregularities at polling stations.
In semi-autonomous Zanzibar, where separate local elections were held, the opposition ACT-Wazalendo rejected CCM’s victory, alleging ballot stuffing, multiple voting without identification, and the expulsion of observers from counting rooms. “They have robbed the people of Zanzibar of their voice. The only solution is a fresh election,” the party declared. Zanzibar has a history of disputed polls, often leading to violence, and this cycle appears no different.
Protests and Security Clampdown Escalate Tensions
The announcement has intensified demonstrations that began on voting day, with reports of clashes in major cities like Dar es Salaam and Dodoma. Protesters have torn down campaign posters, burned tyres, and confronted police, leading to an imposed curfew in the capital and military deployments. Witnesses describe scenes of chaos, with security forces using tear gas and live ammunition to disperse crowds.
Unconfirmed reports suggest a high number of fatalities, with some sources claiming over 30 deaths since the unrest began. Hospitals and clinics have been reluctant to share details, citing fears of reprisals. The government has labelled demonstrators as “criminals,” with Army Chief Jacob Mkunda warning of stern action to restore order.
A nationwide internet blackout, now in its fourth day, has severely hampered communication, making it difficult to verify information or coordinate responses. Social media platforms, messaging apps, and news sites remain inaccessible, drawing condemnation from rights groups for violating freedom of expression. Foreign journalists were largely barred from covering the polls, further shrouding events in uncertainty.
Pre-Election Repression and Political Context
Hassan’s path to victory was paved amid accusations of a heavy-handed campaign against dissent. Since taking office in 2021 following the death of her predecessor John Magufuli, she has faced internal party challenges from hardliners and opposition from the military. Analysts suggest the emphatic win was intended to consolidate her power, but at the cost of democratic norms.
In the lead-up to the vote, rights organisations documented a “wave of terror,” including abductions, arrests, and killings of critics. The main opposition Chadema was banned, and its leader charged with treason, leaving Hassan virtually uncontested. Public anger has also targeted Hassan’s son, Abdul Halim Hafidh Ameir, accused of overseeing the crackdown.
Zanzibar’s electoral disputes add another layer, with historical grievances fuelling demands for autonomy and fair representation. The island’s tourism-dependent economy risks suffering if unrest persists, deterring visitors amid safety concerns.
International Reactions and Calls for Dialogue
The international community has expressed concern over the violence and lack of transparency. The African Union and United Nations have urged restraint and an independent investigation into the deaths and allegations of fraud. Neighbouring countries, including South Africa, have monitored the situation closely, with the ANC sending a delegation led by Deputy Secretary General Nomvula Mokonyane to observe but facing communication breakdowns due to the blackout.
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have condemned the internet shutdown and curfew as tools to suppress dissent, calling for their immediate lifting. “Elections must reflect the will of the people, not the might of the state,” an Amnesty spokesperson said.
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