Samia Suluhu Hassan wins disputed Tanzania election with 98% of vote
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of the country’s highly contested general election
DAR ES SALAAM (MNTV) — Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of the country’s highly contested general election, securing nearly 98% of the vote after major opposition figures were barred from running.
The National Electoral Commission announced Saturday that Hassan won 97.66% of ballots cast in Wednesday’s poll, sweeping every constituency. State media said her swearing-in ceremony would take place later in the day.
The election triggered days of violent protests across major cities, with demonstrators denouncing the exclusion of key rivals and accusing authorities of repression and vote manipulation. Witnesses reported police using tear gas and live fire as protesters tore down campaign posters and set government buildings ablaze.
The opposition Chadema party, which was banned from contesting, told AFP that about 700 people were killed during the unrest—figures the government denies. The UN human rights office cited at least 10 confirmed deaths in three cities.
Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo defended the authorities’ conduct, insisting the vote was fair and that “no excessive force” was used. “I’ve not seen these 700 anywhere,” he told Al Jazeera.
Hassan, 63, rose to the presidency in 2021 after the sudden death of former leader John Magufuli. Her main challengers this time—Tundu Lissu of Chadema, jailed on treason charges, and Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, disqualified from the race—were effectively sidelined.
UN, rights groups, express concern
Rights groups accused Hassan’s government of overseeing a “wave of terror” before the election, including alleged abductions of opposition members, claims the government rejects.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “deeply concerned” about the situation in Tanzania, deploring the loss of life and urging authorities to safeguard fundamental freedoms, including peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
Guterres called for a “thorough and impartial investigation” into allegations of excessive force and enforced disappearances, urging the government to ensure due process for all detainees.
He also appealed for calm and dialogue to prevent further escalation.
“The United Nations stands ready to support efforts to strengthen democratic governance and promote sustainable peace in Tanzania,” Guterres said in a statement.
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