Tanzania’s first female president wins disputed election marked by violence

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been officially declared the winner of the country’s highly contentious presidential election — a result that had been widely expected after her main challengers were barred from running.

According to Jacob Mwambegele, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, quoted by Bloomberg, Hassan secured 97.66% of the vote in the October 29 election, with voter turnout reaching 86.8%.

“I declare Samia Suluhu Hassan winner of the presidential elections,” Mwambegele announced on Saturday.

Under Tanzanian law, presidential election results are final and cannot be challenged in court once proclaimed.

The announcement came amid widespread protests across the country, spreading from the commercial capital Dar es Salaam to other major cities. Demonstrations have continued for several days, with reports of escalating violence. Amnesty International said scores of people have been killed in clashes between demonstrators and security forces, while the main opposition party, Chadema, claims the death toll is in the hundreds. The United Nations, meanwhile, reported credible evidence of at least 10 fatalities.

Chadema leader Tundu Lissu, once viewed as Hassan’s strongest opponent, had been jailed and charged with treason after calling for sweeping electoral reforms. The candidate from Tanzania’s second-largest opposition party was also prevented from standing, leaving Hassan virtually unchallenged at the polls.

“Fake results from a fake election,” said John Kitoka, Chadema’s director of foreign affairs, in reaction to the official announcement. “This is a coronation. It lacks legitimacy, and we will not recognise the results. We will continue to resist this fake election, and we will not back down.”

Hassan, 65, became Tanzania’s first female president after succeeding John Magufuli, who died in office in 2021. Initially, she pledged to restore democracy and strengthen political freedoms, but critics say her administration has grown increasingly authoritarian, using arbitrary arrests, torture, abductions, and media restrictions to silence dissent. Amnesty International has accused the government of unleashing a “wave of terror” since early 2024.

The surge in post-election violence has tarnished Tanzania’s image as one of Africa’s most stable democracies and a favoured investment destination. The ongoing unrest now threatens the country’s vital tourism sector, which contributes nearly 20% to its $86 billion economy. At least two major airlines have suspended flights to both the Mt. Kilimanjaro region and Dar es Salaam, the latter serving as a key port for Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo and their copper exports.

The turmoil mirrors youth-led protest movements in Madagascar, Nepal, Morocco, and Kenya, several of which have led to government collapses. Despite this, Hassan’s grip on power remains firm, with the military now cooperating with police to suppress demonstrations and restore order.

During her second term, Hassan is expected to oversee the long-delayed launch of a $42 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, being developed in partnership with Shell Plc, Equinor ASA, and ExxonMobil Corp. Her administration also plans significant investments in energy infrastructure, ports, and railways to boost foreign investment and stabilise the economy.

By Tamilla Hasanova