Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared winner of a landslide election, securing 97.66% of votes in a contest marred by arrests, internet shutdown, and deadly protests.
The country’s electoral commission announced the result live on state television on Saturday, confirming that Hassan dominated every constituency. A swift swearing-in ceremony was also scheduled the same day.
Her ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party hailed the outcome as “the people’s choice,” but opposition groups and rights monitors described it as a “sham victory” built on fear.
Opposition Crushed and Protests Erupt
The main opposition party, Chadema, was barred from contesting the election, and its leader is currently facing trial for treason. Protests erupted nationwide on Wednesday, with demonstrators tearing down posters and clashing with police.
A Chadema spokesman told pressmen that “around 700 people have been killed by security forces since election day,” citing figures gathered from hospitals and clinics.
A security source and a Western diplomat in Dar es Salaam both confirmed that deaths were “in the hundreds.”
Rights groups have accused the government of unleashing a “wave of terror” in the days leading up to the polls, involving mass arrests and high-profile abductions of opposition figures.
Despite a heavy security clampdown, violence spread across major cities. Authorities responded with , internet shutdowns, and a total blackout on local news coverage.
AU and Global Reactons
The African Union (AU) which remained silent as demonstrators and security forces battled on the streets of Tanzania was quick to issue a congratulatory message to Ms Hassan, saying it has taken “note of the results of the presidential election in #Tanzania and congratulates H.E. President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her victory.“.
Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu handed certificate by the electoral commission after being declared winner of the 2025 presidential election. #NTVAtOne @wangechimu pic.twitter.com/eepwPvdGMA
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) November 1, 2025
Nevertheless, it said the AU “deeply regrets the loss of human life during the post-electoral protests and extends his sincere condolences to the families of the victims.”
The Union said it wishes to “underscores the imperative of upholding fundamental rights and freedoms, including the right to peaceful assembly and expression, and encourages the authorities to safeguard these rights within the framework of the law”.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was “deeply concerned about reports of deaths and injuries during demonstrations,” urging restraint from all sides.
President Hassan has since quickly received the certificate of election for a second term in office
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