President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of Tanzania’s presidential election, securing another term in office under tense and violent circumstances.
The National Electoral Commission announced on Saturday that Hassan, the candidate of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, won 98% of the 32 million votes cast.
The declaration follows days of widespread unrest, internet shutdowns, and mounting allegations of government suppression. Opposition figures claim that around 700 people have been killed in post-election protests since Hassan’s re-election was announced.
Authorities have imposed curfews and restricted media coverage, while hospitals and clinics reportedly declined to release casualty figures for fear of reprisal. Foreign journalists also remain barred from entering the country.
In Zanzibar, the semi-autonomous island region, CCM candidate and incumbent president Hussein Mwinyi was declared the winner with nearly 80% of the vote.
The opposition has rejected the results, citing “massive fraud, intimidation, and state-sponsored violence.” President Hassan has not yet issued a public statement regarding the unrest. The only official comment came from Army Chief Jacob Mkunda, who described the protesters as “criminals.”