Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan Wins Election Amid Deadly Unrest

 

Date: October 30, 2025

Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of the country’s presidential election, securing another term in office after days of nationwide unrest and reports of widespread violence.

According to the Tanzanian Electoral Commission, Samia, 65, won 98% of the votes in Wednesday’s poll, with an estimated 31.9 million ballots cast and a voter turnout of nearly 87%. The president hailed the election as “free and democratic,” while accusing protesters of being “unpatriotic.”

Opposition Rejects Results, Citing Repression

Opposition parties dismissed the results as a “mockery of democracy,” alleging intimidation and the exclusion of key challengers.

Main opposition leader Tundu Lissu remains in detention on treason charges, while Luhaga Mpina of the ACT-Wazalendo party was disqualified on technical grounds.

Only minor political parties—none with significant national influence—were allowed to contest. Human rights groups and international observers have condemned the election process, citing lack of transparency, restricted media access, and widespread human rights violations.

Unrest and Casualties Across the Country

Protests erupted across major cities, including Dar es Salaam, where demonstrators tore down campaign posters and clashed with security forces.

Reports indicate that hundreds of people have been killed, though the total number remains unconfirmed due to a nationwide internet shutdown.

An opposition spokesperson from the Chadema Party told AFP that at least 700 people may have died, while diplomatic sources cited by the BBC estimate around 500 fatalities.

Authorities have downplayed the situation, calling it “isolated incidents.” The government also extended curfews in several regions to restore order.

Global Concern Over Tanzania’s Crisis

International leaders and organizations have voiced alarm over the violence.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed “deep concern” about the deaths and injuries, urging all parties to avoid further escalation.

The UK, Canada, and Norway released a joint statement citing “credible reports of mass casualties and serious injuries” linked to the government’s response to protests.

Zanzibar Election and Regional Outlook

In Zanzibar, Tanzania’s semi-autonomous archipelago, incumbent Hussein Mwinyi of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party secured re-election with nearly 80% of the vote.

Opposition groups alleged massive fraud, claiming ballot tampering and voter intimidation.

Background on Samia Suluhu Hassan

Samia Suluhu Hassan became Tanzania’s first female president in 2021 after the death of John Magufuli. Her administration initially promised reform and unity, but recent unrest has cast doubt on her democratic credentials.

Rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have accused her government of orchestrating enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings of political opponents—claims the government has repeatedly denied.