Tanzanian President Hassan Claims 97% Victory in Controversial Election

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has secured a significant victory in the country’s recent election, garnering over 97% of the vote, according to official results released early on Saturday. This landslide win, announced in the administrative capital of Dodoma, has raised questions about the integrity of the electoral process, as many critics argue that the election lacked genuine competition.

Hassan received a winner’s certificate from electoral authorities during an event in Dodoma. In her acceptance speech, she emphasized that the overwhelming support reflected a collective desire among Tanzanians for female leadership. “After the election, it’s time to unite our country and not destroy what we’ve built over more than six decades,” she stated. She pledged to collaborate with all security agencies to maintain peace throughout the nation.

Having ascended to the presidency in 2021 following the death of her predecessor, John Pombe Magufuli, Hassan’s victory has been marred by allegations of suppression against opposition candidates. Major rivals were barred from running, leading to accusations that the election resembled a coronation rather than a democratic contest. While she contended with 16 candidates from smaller parties, the absence of significant opposition figures has fueled discontent among critics.

Violence and Protests Mark Election Aftermath

The election on October 29, 2023, witnessed considerable unrest, with protests erupting in major cities as demonstrators contested the legitimacy of the polling process. Security forces, including the military, were deployed to manage the unrest, which resulted in significant disruptions, including intermittent internet outages across the country. As a precautionary measure, the government postponed the reopening of universities, initially scheduled for November 3.

In the days following the election, a tense calm settled over the streets of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s commercial hub. Security personnel were positioned at roadblocks, verifying the identification of passersby. While Tanzanian authorities have not disclosed specific casualty figures, credible reports from the United Nations indicate at least 10 deaths linked to the unrest, particularly in Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga, and Morogoro.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern regarding the situation in Tanzania, urging all parties to “prevent further escalation.” A joint statement from the foreign ministers of the United Kingdom, Canada, and Norway highlighted “credible reports of a large number of fatalities and significant injuries” resulting from the security response to the protests.

Concerns Over Democratic Integrity

Opposition figures have faced significant challenges in the lead-up to the election. Tundu Lissu, leader of the Chadema opposition group, has been imprisoned for months on treason charges after advocating for electoral reforms deemed essential for free and fair elections. Another opposition candidate, Luhaga Mpina of the ACT-Wazalendo party, was also prohibited from contesting.

The ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has maintained a firm grip on power since Tanzania’s independence in 1961. This latest election result is unprecedented in the region, drawing comparisons to the authoritarian practices of leaders like Paul Kagame of Rwanda. Rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have documented a troubling pattern of repression in Tanzania, including enforced disappearances and arbitrary arrests that have intensified as the election approached.

The International Crisis Group noted in a recent analysis that Hassan’s administration has implemented an “unprecedented crackdown” on political dissent, stifling freedom of expression through various means, including the banning of social media platforms. This authoritarian approach stands in contrast to the historical tolerance of opposition by previous Tanzanian leaders.

As Tanzania navigates this contentious political landscape, the implications of Hassan’s electoral victory will likely resonate beyond the country’s borders, raising critical questions about the future of democracy in the region.