The announcement of Samia Suluhu as the President-elect of Tanzania has drawn mixed reactions across the country as tensions remain high following a disputed election.
The Tanzanian Electoral Commission released the results on November 1, declaring Suluhu the winner with 31.9 million votes, translating to 97.66 percent of the total votes cast.
Her closest challenger, Chaumu, received only 213,414 votes, representing a mere 0.65 percent, in an election where 37 million citizens were registered to vote.
The results were made public through the state-owned Tanzanian Broadcasting Corporation just three days after the country went to the polls on October 29.
While a quick swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place, the outcome has been met with anger and disbelief in several parts of the country.
Suluhu has made few public appearances throughout the election period, which has fueled speculation about her control over the political process. The election has been overshadowed by widespread allegations of voter suppression, intimidation, and the silencing of opposition voices.
Many Tanzanians feel the process was heavily tilted in favor of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party, which has governed the country for decades.
Opposition supporters accuse the government of manipulating the entire process to ensure a predetermined outcome.
Their frustration intensified after the main opposition candidate, Tundu Lissu, was detained before and during the elections, making it impossible for him to campaign or appear on the ballot effectively.
Another key opposition figure was disqualified on technical grounds, leaving voters with little choice. Protests erupted soon after voting began, spreading across major towns including Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Mwanza, and Arusha.Eyewitnesses reported running battles between protesters and police, with security forces firing tear gas and live ammunition to disperse crowds.
In Mwanza, gunfire was heard late into the night, while in Dodoma and Dar es Salaam, several roads were sealed off and movement restricted.
The government responded by declaring a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Dar es Salaam, with Regional Commissioner Alfred Chalamila issuing stern warnings to those planning to disrupt peace.
However, this only escalated tensions, as angry youth destroyed ballot boxes and vandalized polling centers in some areas.
Adding to public frustration, the government imposed an internet and communications blackout on election day, effectively cutting off citizens from sharing information. Human rights groups have condemned the move, calling it a deliberate attempt to hide evidence of irregularities and suppress press freedom.
Reports emerging from different regions indicate that dozens, possibly hundreds, of people may have lost their lives in the clashes that followed the announcement.
Suluhu’s victory marks her continuation at the top after initially assuming the presidency in 2021 following the death of former President John Magufuli.
While her supporters see the win as a show of confidence in her leadership, critics describe it as the final blow to Tanzania’s democracy.
