President Samia Suluhu Wins Tanzanian Election Amid Unrest and Opposition Outcry

President Samia Suluhu Wins Tanzanian Election Amid Unrest and Opposition Outcry
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Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of the country’s presidential election, securing nearly 98% of the vote, the BBC reported. The electoral commission said Samia received about 31.9 million votes in Wednesday’s poll, with voter turnout close to 87%. In her victory speech on Saturday, the 65-year-old leader described the election as “free and democratic” and condemned ongoing protests as “unpatriotic.”

Opposition parties dismissed the results as fraudulent, alleging that major challengers had been barred or imprisoned. Reports of violence and unrest have spread across the country, with hundreds feared dead, though the nationwide internet shutdown has made verification difficult. The government extended a curfew to curb further violence, while authorities insisted the situation was under control.

International observers and human rights groups voiced alarm over the alleged lack of transparency and excessive force by security forces. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern and urged restraint, as did the UK, Canada, and Norway, citing “credible reports” of high casualties.

In Zanzibar, where separate elections were held, incumbent Hussein Mwinyi of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) won nearly 80% of the vote. Opposition groups there also denounced the outcome as fraudulent. Despite the unrest, Samia praised the security forces for maintaining order, reaffirming her government’s commitment to stability as she embarks on a new term.