President Samia Suluhu Hassan has won a landslide victory in the Tanzania election, claiming 97.66% of the votes, according to official results released Saturday.
The electoral commission, speaking on state television, announced that Hassan secured control of all constituencies. A brief swearing-in ceremony was scheduled for the same day, state media reported.
However, the announcement followed days of violent protests that left hundreds dead, according to the main opposition party, Chadema. The party said security forces opened fire on demonstrators after key opposition figures were jailed or excluded from the vote.
“About 700 people have been killed,” a Chadema spokesperson told AFP, citing data from hospitals and clinics.
Diplomatic sources in Dar es Salaam confirmed to AFP that the death toll was “in the hundreds.”
Hassan, who rose to power after the death of her predecessor John Magufuli in 2021, sought to consolidate her leadership with this election. Analysts say she faced resistance from Magufuli loyalists and sections of the military.
Rights groups accused her administration of launching a “wave of terror” before the vote, including kidnappings of political opponents and restrictions on dissent.
Chadema’s leader faced treason charges, and the party was barred from contesting, triggering widespread anger. On election day, protests erupted nationwide as mobs tore down campaign posters, attacked polling centers, and clashed with police.
Authorities responded with a nationwide curfew, internet shutdown, and heavy military presence.
Despite mounting violence, Hassan has remained silent since the unrest began. Her administration denied using “excessive force” but continued strict lockdown measures and information controls.
Journalists face tight restrictions, with most news websites inactive since Wednesday.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed alarm over the crisis.
“The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the situation in Tanzania, including reports of deaths and injuries during the demonstrations,” his spokesperson said.
Public anger has also focused on Hassan’s son, Abdul Halim Hafidh Ameir, who is accused of directing the crackdown.
Meanwhile, Army Chief Jacob Mkunda dismissed claims that parts of the military supported protesters.
“These are criminals, not demonstrators,” Mkunda declared while reaffirming the army’s loyalty to President Hassan.
