Allegations of fraud and repression mar the elections in Tanzania.
Allegations of fraud and censorship marred the election and resulted in clashes between protesters and security forces.
247 - Tanzania is facing a serious political crisis after elections held on Wednesday (29), marked by allegations of fraud, repression and censorship. Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Mbeya demanding that the Electoral Commission stop the release of results. The increased tension led to the mobilization of the Army and the imposition of curfews in several regions of the country.
According to information on the portal PIA GlobalThe government ordered civil servants to work from home and recommended that the population remain in their residences. The measure seeks to contain the protests that have already resulted in several deaths and injuries. The Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, in power since independence in 1961, is trying to maintain political control amid growing accusations of authoritarianism.
Internet blackout and police repression
During the election process, the digital monitoring network NetBlocks confirmed a nationwide internet blackout that began on election day. Service was only restored intermittently, reinforcing suspicions of a government attempt to silence complaints and limit the flow of information.
Witnesses reported to the press scenes of violence and chaos, with blocked streets, gunfire, tear gas, and bodies lying on the ground. “The risk of further escalation is high. The police must act with restraint and refrain from the unnecessary use of force,” stated Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s director for East and Southern Africa, who called for an independent investigation into the “illegitimate and lethal” use of force against protesters.
Opposition barred and political prisoners
The elections were harshly criticized by the opposition, which described the process as "undemocratic." Key opposition leaders, such as Tundu Lissu of the Chadema party, remain imprisoned, while others, like Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, had their candidacies rejected.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who assumed power in 2021 after the death of John Magufuli, ran virtually unopposed. Chadema's vice-president, John Heche, was also detained last week and, according to the party, his health has deteriorated in prison.
According to the report, human rights groups are denouncing enforced disappearances and persecution of activists critical of the government. The episode represents a setback to the promises of political openness that marked the beginning of Suluhu's administration.
International alert and climate of instability.
The repression in the streets and the blocking of communications led the governments of the United States and the United Kingdom to issue warnings to their citizens. Embassies reported road blockades and flight cancellations, including at Julius Nyerere International Airport, the country's main gateway. Meanwhile, President Samia Suluhu appealed for calm on social media. "I appeal for peaceful and responsible voting," she posted on the X platform (formerly Twitter), amid escalating protests.
