Samia Suluhu extends rule with 97% victory as Tanzania erupts in protest and unrest
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of Tanzania’s general elections, securing 97 per cent of the vote in a contest marked by widespread violence, arrests, and allegations of political suppression. The National Electoral Commission confirmed that the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which has governed since independence in 1961, also retained its parliamentary majority. The result extends President Hassan’s rule, which began in 2021 following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli.
While the landslide victory grants her a new five-year mandate, the atmosphere surrounding the vote has been fraught with unrest and controversy. In the weeks before the election, opposition groups accused the government of systematically targeting their members to weaken political competition. Several prominent figures, including CHADEMA leader Tundu Lissu, were arrested on charges of treason and sedition, while others were disqualified after being declared “unfit to contest.”
Protests erupted across major cities even before election day, as demonstrators demanded the release of detained politicians and called for a transparent process. Security forces reportedly responded with heavy force, leading to arrests and injuries. Human rights organisations condemned the pre-election crackdown, warning that such actions threatened the integrity of the democratic process.
When the final results were announced, anger intensified. Protesters in Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and Arusha accused the government of rigging the vote and silencing dissent. Clashes broke out, with demonstrators burning tyres, blocking roads, and chanting for justice. The government imposed curfews in several cities and deployed the military alongside police to contain the unrest. Internet disruptions were reported, and journalists covering the protests said they were harassed and detained.
Opposition groups allege that hundreds of people have been killed since demonstrations began, though the government disputes those claims, describing the incidents as isolated. The United Nations and international human rights organisations have called for independent investigations into the alleged killings and mass arrests.
At 65, President Hassan campaigned on promises of stability, economic development, and women’s empowerment. Her supporters credit her leadership for advancing major infrastructure projects and attracting foreign investment. However, critics argue that her administration has stifled political freedom and tightened control over civil society.
As Tanzania moves forward under her renewed leadership, the country faces growing pressure to restore public trust, reconcile with opposition forces, and address mounting concerns over human rights and democratic governance. The unrest following the election has left Africa’s sixth most populous nation at a political crossroads, torn between continuity and a rising demand for change.
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