Tanzanians react to president winning disputed election with more than 97% of vote

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan won the disputed election with more than 97% of the vote, according to official results announced on Saturday. This massive landslide victory was met with a mix of official celebration from the ruling party and violent protests and rejection from the opposition and critics.

😡 Opposition and Critics’ Reaction

The majority of the public reaction from opposition groups and human rights observers was one of rejection and deep concern over the legitimacy of the election, which many described as a “coronation” rather than a genuine contest.

Violent Protests: Demonstrators took to the streets of major cities, including the commercial capital Dar es Salaam, to protest the poll results and try to stop the counting of votes. These protests were met with a security crackdown; the military was deployed, and a curfew was announced in Dar es Salaam.

The opposition party Chadema stated that they “strongly reject the so-called election results” and claimed the win was achieved “by force.” They alleged that hundreds of people were killed during the protests, although the government denied using excessive force and did not provide casualty figures. The UN Human Rights Office cited credible reports of at least 10 deaths.

Concerns over Opposition Suppression: Critics pointed out that the election lacked credibility because President Hassan’s two main rivals were barred or prevented from running.

Tundu Lissu of the Chadema party was jailed for months on treason charges.

Luhaga Mpina of the ACT-Wazalendo party was also barred from running.

Repression of Rights: Rights groups, including Amnesty International, warned of an “unprecedented crackdown on political opponents” and a pattern of enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and extrajudicial killings in the run-up to the polls. Internet connectivity was also disrupted, hindering independent reporting.

🏛️ Government and President’s Reaction

President Hassan and the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which has governed Tanzania since independence in 1961, presented the results as a mandate.

Claim of Unity and Peace: After receiving the winner’s certificate, President Hassan remarked that the overwhelming vote for a female leader was notable and called for national unity. She stated, “it’s time to unite our country and not destroy what we’ve built over more than six decades,” and promised to involve security agencies to ensure the country is peaceful.

Consolidation of Power: Analysts suggest that the massive victory is aimed at consolidating power for Hassan and the CCM party, especially following internal resistance and the political uncertainty after the death of her predecessor.

The widespread opposition and violence contrast sharply with the official landslide result, highlighting a deep political crisis in the country.