President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been officially declared the winner of the recent presidential election by the National Electoral Commission (NEC), securing a second term in office with an overwhelming majority, a result that has been swiftly followed by widespread, deadly protests and a heavy security crackdown across the country.
The NEC announced on Saturday that President Hassan, candidate for the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, had won with an unprecedented 97.66% of the vote.
This massive victory comes after her two main challengers were either barred from running or jailed on treason charges, leading opposition groups to label the election a "coronation" rather than a legitimate contest.
The declaration of the results has ignited violent unrest, with demonstrations breaking out in major cities including Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and Arusha.
Protesters, angry at the exclusion of key opposition figures and what they claim is widespread repression and fraud, have clashed violently with security forces.
The main opposition party, Chadema, has claimed that hundreds of people have been killed by security forces since protests began on election day, citing figures gathered from hospitals and clinics.
The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), however, has expressed alarm over the deaths and injuries, stating it has received credible reports that at least 10 people were killed by security forces in three cities.
The government has denied using excessive force and has not provided an official casualty figure, dismissing the opposition's claims as "hugely exaggerated."
Authorities have imposed a curfew in some areas and deployed the military to assist police in quelling the riots.
A nationwide internet blackout and significant disruption were reported, making independent verification of events and casualty numbers extremely difficult.
Critics argue the election lacked credibility, noting the disqualification and imprisonment of major opposition leader Tundu Lissu of the Chadema party on treason charges.
Reports of abductions, intimidation, and arrests of political opponents and activists have also marred the run-up to the poll.
Hassan Defends Vote
In her remarks after receiving the winner's certificate, President Hassan defended the result as a testament to the popular vote for a female leader.
She called for national unity and stability, saying: "It's time to unite our country and not destroy what we've built over more than six decades.
We will take all actions and involve all security agencies to ensure the country is peaceful.”
Meanwhile, opposition parties have denounced the entire electoral process as a sham and have threatened further protests and action.
Human rights organisations have urged the government to launch an immediate and transparent investigation into the reported killings and to lift all restrictions on communication and the media.
