Tanzania Election Fallout: Protests and Death Toll Rise as President Hassan Takes Lead
Tanzania's controversial general elections have led to President Samia Suluhu Hassan taking a commanding early lead amidst escalating post-election violence, with the main opposition party Chadema alleging approximately 700 deaths due to the unrest. The country is currently under a nationwide lockdown due to violent protests and allegations of electoral fraud, with the Tanzanian military deployed to enforce curfew.
Background
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who assumed office after the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, in 2021, was expected to win the election as her major opponents were either jailed or barred from running. The election was marked by tension, with government critics reportedly abducted, killed, or arrested in the run-up to the vote. Despite the country being under an internet blackout, young people have taken to the streets to protest restricted election choices and harassment of opposition leaders.
Election Controversy
The main opposition party, Chadema, was excluded from the elections for refusing to sign the electoral code, which, according to them, did not include the reforms they were demanding. The party subsequently called for a boycott of the election. Demonstrations erupted on election day over the stifling of the opposition after the exclusion of key candidates from the presidential ballot.
The Tanzanian Electoral Commission declared on Saturday that President Hassan was re-elected with almost 98% of the votes. However, the legitimacy of these results has been questioned due to the alleged exclusion of opposition parties and the escalating violence.
Violence and Death Tolls
Reports of violence and death tolls vary among sources. While Amnesty International mentions 100 deaths, Chadema and other sources suggest the number is in the hundreds with Chadema claiming approximately 700 deaths. Accurate figures are hard to obtain due to the internet shutdown.
Protests have continued to spread across Tanzania since voting began, with roads remaining barricaded with bonfires as protests swell. The Tanzanian military has been deployed to enforce a curfew after tensions boiled over during the election.
Reactions and Implications
The escalating violence and alleged election fraud have drawn international attention and concern. Critics argue that the election results and the ensuing violence reflect the government's increasing repression and control. However, President Hassan's government denies any use of excessive force
and maintains that it is restoring order after 'isolated incidents'.
Current Status
As of now, the situation remains volatile with the country still under a nationwide lockdown and an internet blackout. The government has yet to confirm the death toll while the opposition continues to protest the election results. As the world watches, the future of democracy in Tanzania hangs in the balance.