Tanzania’s National Electoral Commission has announced that President Samia Suluhu Hassan has secured a substantial victory in the country’s general election, with an official tally of 97.66% of the vote. The election, held on 29 October, has since been followed by civil unrest, with opposition figures and civil society organisations expressing concern over the conduct of the poll and subsequent events.
According to the National Electoral Commission, the outcome reflects a dominant performance by the incumbent in every constituency across the country. A formal swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place, as confirmed by state media.
However, the political context surrounding the vote has drawn scrutiny. The main opposition party, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema), did not participate in the election. Its leader, Freeman Mbowe, is currently facing trial on charges of treason. Chadema has alleged that state institutions restricted political participation during the electoral process.
Opposition figures claim that several hundred people have died in the days following the election. These claims are based on informal data collected from local networks tracking hospitals and clinics. Although these figures remain unverified, a diplomatic source and a member of the security services in Dar es Salaam told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that they believe the death toll may be in the hundreds.
Tanzanian authorities have not released official figures related to fatalities or injuries. In a statement to Al Jazeera, Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo stated that no evidence had been confirmed regarding the use of excessive force by security agencies.
During the election and its immediate aftermath, Tanzania experienced a nationwide internet shutdown and the enforcement of a curfew. Media outlets have faced limitations in their ability to operate, and access to independent reporting remains constrained. Several international press agencies have reported restricted movement in urban centres and the temporary suspension of news updates.
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has expressed concern over the situation. In a statement, the UN called for restraint and respect for fundamental rights, including the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
President Hassan, who ascended to power in 2021 following the passing of President John Magufuli, has not yet made a public statement regarding the unrest. Her administration has faced internal challenges, including opposition from factions within the military and elements aligned with the late President’s political network.
Accusations have also surfaced regarding the role of individuals close to the presidency in managing the state’s response to the protests. Notably, President Hassan’s son, Abdul Halim Hafidh Ameir, has been named by some opposition voices in relation to the security operations. These allegations have not been independently verified, and the government has not responded directly to them.
Tanzania’s army chief, Jacob Mkunda, delivered a public statement describing protest actions as unlawful and pledged the military’s continued support for the constitutional government. While some anecdotal accounts suggest limited military dissent in certain localities, there is no formal evidence of a breakdown in chain of command.
Regional and continental observers have not yet issued comprehensive evaluations of the election process. Organisations such as the African Union and the Southern African Development Community are expected to provide independent assessments in due course.
The unfolding situation in Tanzania highlights broader questions around electoral governance, civic participation, and the role of state institutions in the continent’s evolving democratic landscape. Within the Pan-African context, these developments offer an opportunity to reflect on inclusive governance frameworks, electoral accountability, and the responsibility of governments to uphold constitutional norms.
While the final outcome of Tanzania’s 2025 general election has been confirmed, the national and regional responses to the post-election environment remain ongoing. The importance of independent verification, open civic space, and transparent governance remains central to public trust in democratic processes across the continent.
