Tanzania’s Samia Hassan Secures Landslide Re-Election Victory with 97.66% of Votes Amid Opposition Protests and Allegations of Repression

Tanzania’s Samia Hassan Secures Landslide Re-Election Victory with 97.66% of Votes Amid Opposition Protests and Allegations of Repression

In what has become one of the most controversial political events in Tanzania’s modern history, the country’s National Electoral Commission (NEC) has officially declared President Samia Suluhu Hassan as the winner of the just-concluded presidential election, securing an overwhelming 31.9 million votes, representing 97.66% of all votes cast. The electoral body also announced that voter turnout reached nearly 87% out of the 37.6 million registered voters, a figure that underscores widespread participation across the nation despite growing political tension.

President Hassan’s ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), which has remained in power since the nation gained independence, also retained its parliamentary majority, solidifying its continued dominance in Tanzanian politics. However, the declaration of victory has not been without controversy, as the election has drawn strong criticism from opposition groups, human rights advocates, and sections of the international community.

Protests erupted in several parts of the country, including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza, and Zanzibar, as demonstrators took to the streets to condemn what they described as a fraudulent process and the deliberate exclusion of key opposition figures from the ballot. According to local reports, the electoral commission disqualified President Hassan’s two main challengers, citing procedural violations—a decision that many critics believe was politically motivated and intended to ensure a one-sided contest.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of tension and heavy police presence in major cities following the announcement. In some areas, security forces were seen dispersing protesters using tear gas, while several opposition supporters were reportedly arrested. Civil society organizations and media outlets have alleged intimidation of journalists, restricted access to polling stations, and censorship of critical voices, both during the campaign period and on election day itself.

The Tanzanian government, however, has firmly rejected claims of excessive force or repression. Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit stated that the authorities acted professionally and that there were only “a few small pockets of incidents,” which he attributed to criminal elements rather than genuine political dissent. Thabit emphasized that the government’s priority was to protect lives and property, maintaining that the situation across the country remained largely peaceful and under control.

Despite these assurances, the international community has expressed growing concern over the conduct of the elections. Observer missions from the African Union (AU) and the East African Community (EAC) noted that while the voting process was generally peaceful, it lacked a level playing field and transparency. Their preliminary reports highlighted issues such as the limited political space for opposition candidates, the restrictive campaign environment, and the tight control of the media.

Several Western governments have also reacted cautiously to the outcome. The United States and the European Union issued separate statements urging Tanzanian authorities to uphold democratic values, protect the rights of all citizens, and ensure accountability for any human rights violations. “True democracy is not defined merely by the casting of ballots but by ensuring that every political voice is heard and respected,” the EU mission in East Africa said in its statement.

Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have called for an independent investigation into reports of violence, harassment, and suppression during the electoral process. They also urged President Hassan’s administration to take concrete steps toward restoring political trust and safeguarding civil liberties, warning that continued repression could erode Tanzania’s reputation as one of East Africa’s most stable nations.

President Hassan, who first rose to power in 2021 following the death of former President John Magufuli, delivered a victory speech shortly after the results were announced. She thanked Tanzanians for their overwhelming support, describing her re-election as a “renewed mandate for peace, unity, and progress.” She pledged to continue her administration’s focus on economic development, infrastructure expansion, and social reforms, while assuring citizens that her government would govern “for all Tanzanians, irrespective of political or religious differences.”

Observers, however, remain skeptical. Many political analysts argue that such a wide margin of victory—nearly 98% of the votes—raises serious questions about the credibility of the electoral process and the viability of opposition politics in Tanzania. Some have warned that without genuine political reform and inclusive dialogue, the country risks sliding further toward authoritarianism, a direction that could isolate it diplomatically and weaken its democratic institutions.

As calm slowly returns to the streets following days of tension and sporadic protests, the memory of this election is likely to linger for years. The mood in many parts of Tanzania remains one of uncertainty and frustration, particularly among the youth and opposition supporters who had hoped for a more competitive political environment. Calls are growing from domestic and international observers alike for the Hassan administration to initiate dialogue with opposition leaders, ensure freedom of expression, and embark on meaningful electoral reforms that can restore public confidence in democratic governance.

For now, President Hassan’s overwhelming victory stands as both a demonstration of the ruling party’s enduring control and a reflection of the fragile state of political pluralism in Tanzania. How her administration responds to the current discontent, manages dissent, and engages with critics in the coming months will determine whether this new term strengthens democracy—or deepens division—in one of East Africa’s most strategically important nations.