President Suluhu Hassan’s 97% Victory Sparks Deadly Protests in Tanzania

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of Tanzania’s October 29 election with more than 97 percent of the vote, the National Electoral Commission announced. The result extends the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party’s six-decade hold on power but has triggered deadly unrest across the country.

Witnesses and media reports said security forces clashed with protesters in Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and Arusha following the announcement. The United Nations confirmed at least ten deaths, while opposition groups claim the toll could be higher.

Opposition Silenced Before the Poll

Hassan’s landslide came after her two primary challengers were barred from running. CHADEMA leader Tundu Lissu was charged with treason earlier this year after criticizing electoral reforms, and ACT-Wazalendo’s Luhaga Mpina was disqualified by the electoral commission.

With major opposition sidelined, only minor parties remained on the ballot.

The government defended its actions as lawful, but civil society groups argued that the process left voters without a genuine choice. Election monitors were denied accreditation, and social media access was restricted on election day.

Protests and Heavy Security Response

The protests that erupted after the results were released were among the most violent in Tanzania’s recent history. Videos shared online showed police using tear gas and live ammunition to disperse demonstrators calling for new elections. Authorities imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in several urban centers to restore order.

Human rights groups condemned the crackdown, describing it as part of a broader effort to silence dissent.

Amnesty International said the government had “dashed hopes for reform” and intensified repressive practices targeting opposition leaders, civil society, and journalists.

“Reports that one member of the public and one police officer have been killed during election-day protests across Tanzania are deeply disturbing,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, urging security forces to exercise restraint.

Analysts Warn of Democratic Erosion

Political observers say the scale of Suluhu Hassan’s victory, coupled with the exclusion of her opponents, may weaken Tanzania’s democratic credibility. The ruling CCM, founded by the nation’s first president, Julius Nyerere, has long dominated politics, but analysts say this contest marks one of its least competitive elections.

The result, many warn, could harm investor confidence and strain Tanzania’s relations with key partners in Europe and the United States. Some donors have already called for an independent investigation into the conduct of the vote and the post-election violence.

Regional Implications

Tanzania’s turmoil comes as other East African nations grapple with questions about political pluralism and civic space. The events in Dar es Salaam could embolden other governments to limit opposition participation under the guise of maintaining order.

For Tanzanians, the developments are seen as a blow to the country’s image as a peaceful democracy.