President Samia Suluhu Hassan Wins Election Amid Nationwide Protests

Tanzania’s electoral commission announced on March 30, 2024, that President Samia Suluhu Hassan won the presidential election with nearly 98% of the votes. This election has been overshadowed by significant violence and unrest across the nation. Hassan, who ascended to the presidency in 2021 following the death of her predecessor, will serve a five-year term for the East African nation of approximately 68 million people.

Protests erupted during the voting on March 27, with demonstrators expressing anger over the exclusion of Hassan’s primary challengers from the race. Witnesses reported incidents of violence, including the tearing down of campaign banners and arson targeting government buildings. In response, police deployed tear gas and fired live ammunition to disperse crowds. Opposition claims suggest that hundreds may have died during the protests, while the U.N. human rights office confirmed at least 10 fatalities across three cities.

The electoral commission revealed that Hassan garnered over 31.9 million votes, equating to 97.66% of the total cast, from a turnout of nearly 87% among the 37.6 million registered voters. Observers noted that turnout appeared low on election day, with many polling stations disrupted by protests.

In response to the unrest, Tanzanian authorities imposed a nationwide curfew for three nights and restricted internet access. Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, refuted allegations of excessive force by security services, attributing violence to a small number of criminal elements.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged for a thorough investigation into reports of excessive use of force, emphasizing the need to address the loss of life during the protests.

Hassan’s recent governance, initially praised for reducing repression compared to her predecessor John Magufuli, has faced mounting criticism. Opposition parties and activists have accused her administration of human rights abuses, particularly following a series of arrests and alleged abductions of political opponents. Although Hassan stated she ordered investigations into abductions last year, no conclusive findings have been made public.

The main opposition party, CHADEMA, called for protests during the election, labeling the event a “coronation.” The party was disqualified from the election in April 2024 after refusing to sign a code of conduct, and its leader, Tundu Lissu, faced treason charges. The electoral commission also disqualified candidates from the opposition party ACT-Wazalendo, leaving only minor parties to contest against Hassan.

As tensions continue to simmer in Tanzania, the implications of this election and the ongoing protests will likely resonate throughout the region, highlighting the challenges of governance and democratic engagement in the country.