Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the overwhelming winner of the country’s controversial presidential election, securing 97.66 percent of the vote after leading opposition figures were excluded from the race.
The results, announced by the national electoral commission on Saturday, confirmed Hassan’s dominance across all constituencies. State media reported that her swearing-in ceremony would take place later in the day.
The landslide victory came after a fraught week marked by violent protests, allegations of repression, and a heavy security crackdown. Demonstrations erupted across major cities as supporters of the opposition denounced what they described as a rigged process, following the barring of key rivals from contesting.
Witnesses told local media that protesters tore down campaign posters, torched government buildings, and clashed with police, who responded with tear gas and live ammunition. The main opposition party, Chadema, which was prevented from participating, claimed around 700 people had been killed, citing figures compiled from hospitals and clinics. The UN human rights office, however, said it could verify at least ten deaths in three cities.
Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo dismissed the allegations, insisting that “no excessive force has been used” and that the election was conducted “fairly and peacefully.”
Hassan, who rose to power in 2021 following the death of her predecessor John Magufuli, faced 16 minor challengers. Her most prominent critic, Tundu Lissu, remains in jail on treason charges after calling for electoral reforms, while ACT-Wazalendo leader Luhaga Mpina was disqualified from the race.
Rights groups have accused Hassan’s administration of orchestrating a campaign of intimidation and abductions in the lead-up to the poll—claims the government denies.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “deeply concerned” by the violence and urged Tanzanian authorities to uphold human rights and ensure accountability.
