Tanzania Election Crisis: Hassan Wins 97% Amid Deadly Protests & Opposition Crackdown

Samia Suluhu Hassan

Tanzania's recent presidential election, where incumbent Samia Suluhu Hassan secured over 97% of the vote, has sparked widespread unrest and accusations of foul play. The opposition claims that hundreds have died during protests against the results, while the government downplays the violence.

Opposition party Chadema alleges around 700 deaths due to clashes with security forces. Although figures are hard to verify because of internet shutdowns, diplomatic sources report credible evidence of at least 500 deaths. The UN has urged Tanzanian security forces to restrain the use of force.

Protests, largely led by young people, cite the persecution of opposition leaders, which made Hassan's win easier. The electoral commission says Hassan won with 98% of the vote. Demonstrations have continued in major cities, despite military presence.

Foreign Minister Mahmoud Kombo Thabit said those incidents were isolated and that security forces acted quickly. However, journalists and human rights groups face difficulty in confirming death reports, while hospitals are reluctant to share casualty info.

Chadema party members expressed concerns about their safety, saying that security forces are targeting their leaders, some of whom have fled the country. They also cite pre-election harassment and intimidation.

The UK, Canada, and Norway have jointly urged Tanzanian authorities to act with maximum restraint and respect freedom of expression. Accusations of vote rigging marred Zanzibar's elections, where incumbent Hussein Mwinyi also won.

Hassan, who assumed power in 2021, initially received praise, but her government later faced similar accusations of persecuting opponents. Two main opposition candidates were unable to participate in the current elections.

Despite the controversy, Hassan defended the actions of security forces. The UN Human Rights Office verified 10 deaths, while protesters destroyed property and clashed with police. Bloomberg notes that Hassan is expected to push forward with delayed natural gas projects and attract foreign investment.