Tanzania's political landscape has been shaken as election officials declared incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan the winner by an overwhelming margin, securing a new term amidst widespread allegations of electoral misconduct and violent incidents.
Decisive Victory Amidst Controversy
The National Electoral Commission announced that President Hassan, representing the long-ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, captured a staggering 84% of the presidential vote. Her closest competitor, Tundu Lissu of the ACT-Wazalendo party, managed only 13% according to official results.
"The commission declares Samia Suluhu Hassan has been elected president of the United Republic of Tanzania," stated commission chairman Jacobs Mwambe, cementing her position as the nation's leader.
Opposition Outcry and Violence in Zanzibar
The election process has been marred by significant controversy, with opposition leaders crying foul and alleging systematic rigging. The situation turned particularly volatile in the semi-autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar, where:
- Security forces reportedly used tear gas and live ammunition against protesters
- Opposition strongholds witnessed violent clashes between supporters and authorities
- Numerous incidents of voter intimidation were reported by independent observers
ACT-Wazalendo party leader Seif Sharif Hamad, a veteran opposition figure in Zanzibar, described the election as "the worst ever in Tanzania's history" and categorically rejected the results.
International Observers Raise Concerns
While the African Union and other international monitoring groups acknowledged the generally peaceful nature of voting day, they expressed serious concerns about:
- The pre-election environment marked by restricted media freedom
- Limited space for opposition campaigning
- Reports of electoral irregularities in multiple constituencies
The European Union election observation mission notably declined to monitor the polls, citing restrictions imposed by Tanzanian authorities that would prevent meaningful assessment.
Historical Context and Future Implications
This election marks President Hassan's first presidential contest since assuming office in 2021 following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli. While she had earned praise for reversing some of Magufuli's more authoritarian policies, this election raises questions about Tanzania's democratic trajectory.
The outcome solidifies the CCM party's six-decade dominance in Tanzanian politics but leaves the nation deeply divided over the integrity of its electoral process and the future of multiparty democracy.
