Tanzania opposition rejects Hassan’s election victory amid deadly protests

Sunday 02 November 2025 - 11:00

By: Sahili Aya

Tanzania opposition rejects Hassan’s election victory amid deadly protests

Tanzania’s main opposition party, CHADEMA, has rejected President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s landslide victory, calling the results “completely fabricated” amid nationwide protests that turned deadly.

According to official results, Hassan of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party won 97.66% of votes in elections from which the main opposition was barred. CHADEMA’s leader, Tundu Lissu, had been arrested for treason in April, and the party refused to sign a government code of conduct, preventing its participation.

“The countrywide demonstrations are clear proof that citizens did not take part in what is being called an election, and that they reject anyone emerging from this flawed electoral process,” CHADEMA stated on its X account.

Deadly unrest and government response

Protests erupted across Tanzania during Wednesday’s presidential and parliamentary vote, with demonstrators burning government buildings and tearing down campaign banners. Police responded with tear gas and gunfire.

CHADEMA claimed hundreds of people were killed, though the U.N. human rights office confirmed at least ten deaths in three cities. The government dismissed these figures as “hugely exaggerated” and has rejected criticism of its human rights record.

President Hassan, certified as the winner, condemned the protests, calling them “neither responsible nor patriotic” and emphasized maintaining national security.

Curfews and economic disruption

Authorities have imposed a nationwide curfew since Wednesday and restricted internet access. International flights have been canceled, and operations at Dar es Salaam port, a key hub for fuel imports and regional metal exports, have been disrupted.

The election and subsequent unrest have raised concerns about political stability and human rights violations in Tanzania, drawing international attention.