Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the decisive winner of the country's recent presidential election, securing a staggering 97.09% of the vote according to official results released by the electoral commission.
The National Electoral Commission (NEC) announced that President Hassan, who made history as Tanzania's first female president following the death of her predecessor John Magufuli in 2021, garnered an overwhelming 8,075,699 votes in an election that opposition parties have strongly contested.
Opposition Rejects Results Amid Controversy
The election outcome has been met with sharp criticism from opposition candidates who boycotted the vote, citing numerous irregularities and claiming the process lacked credibility. Four opposition candidates withdrew from the race just days before the election, alleging widespread electoral manipulation and unfair conditions.
Activists and opposition leaders reported significant challenges throughout the electoral process, including restrictions on internet access and social media platforms that limited the flow of information and hampered independent monitoring efforts.
Zanzibar Election Also Declared
In simultaneous elections for the semi-autonomous region of Zanzibar, incumbent President Hussein Mwinyi of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party was also declared victorious with 75% of the vote. The Zanzibar election has historically been marred by disputes and allegations of rigging, making this latest outcome particularly significant.
Regional and International Observers Monitor Situation
The election took place under close scrutiny from regional and international observers, with many expressing concerns about the fairness and transparency of the electoral process. The overwhelming victory margin for President Hassan, while technically possible given the opposition boycott, has raised questions about the health of Tanzania's democratic institutions.
President Hassan now faces the challenge of uniting a politically divided nation while continuing her efforts to revitalize Tanzania's economy and maintain stability in the East African nation. Her victory solidifies the continued dominance of the CCM party, which has governed Tanzania since independence in 1961.
