Samia Suluhu Hassan wins disputed Tanzania election amid deadly crackdown

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan won 97.66% of the vote in a disputed election marred by violence and repression. Opposition party Chadema claimed hundreds were killed by security forces, while the UN voiced concern. The government denied using force as internet access was blocked and a curfew imposed. Critics say Hassan is tightening her grip on power since taking office in 2021.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has won a decisive election victory, with official results showing she secured 97.66 percent of the vote. The announcement was made on state television on Saturday, marking her overwhelming dominance in every constituency. A brief swearing-in ceremony was also scheduled for the same day, according to state media.

The election, however, was marred by controversy, violence, and widespread allegations of repression. Several key opposition candidates were either jailed or prevented from participating in the polls, leading to protests that have rocked the country since election day on Wednesday. The main opposition party, Chadema, claimed that hundreds of Tanzanians have been killed by security forces during the unrest.

A Chadema spokesman told AFP that approximately 700 people had died, citing data gathered from hospitals and clinics across the country. A security source and a diplomat in Dar es Salaam also confirmed that the death toll was “in the hundreds.” The United Nations expressed deep concern about “reports of deaths and injuries,” urging authorities to exercise restraint and uphold citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly.

The Tanzanian government has strongly denied allegations of excessive force. Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo told Al Jazeera that there were “no figures” on casualties, dismissing reports of mass killings. Meanwhile, access to the internet has been blocked nationwide, a curfew has been imposed, and journalists have faced restrictions — conditions that have made independent verification of the situation extremely difficult.

Human rights organizations have condemned the election as unfair, citing intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and abductions of opposition figures in the lead-up to the vote. The opposition party Chadema was banned from contesting altogether, and its leader remains detained on treason charges.

Much of the public anger has been directed at President Hassan’s son, Abdul Halim Hafidh Ameir, who critics accuse of coordinating the security crackdown on protesters and opposition supporters. Analysts say President Hassan, who came to power in 2021 following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, has been consolidating power within her ruling party while silencing dissent.

In a statement on Thursday, Army Chief Jacob Mkunda described the protesters as “criminals” and vowed continued support for President Hassan, reinforcing the perception that the military remains firmly aligned with her administration despite growing public unrest.