Tanzania's Presidential Election Teeters on Chaos as Protests Erupt

Protests broke out across Tanzania, including the commercial capital Dar es Salaam, as the country's presidential election teetered on the brink of chaos. The military was deployed, internet service was cut, and a curfew was announced in response to opposition protests against the harassment of opposition leaders. Critics of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who seeks a second term, and the Chama Cha Mapinduzi party that has ruled since independence in 1961, went into the streets to protest the election choices, citing limited options.

Key Takeaways:

Protests erupted across Tanzania, including in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam, as the country's presidential election teetered on chaos.
The military was deployed in response to opposition protests, and a curfew was announced in Dar es Salaam.
Internet service was cut nationwide, and polling stations were vandalized in several districts outside the capital of Dodoma.
The leader of the main opposition CHADEMA party, Tundu Lissu, is in prison and was calling for electoral reforms.
Amnesty International reported verified cases of enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and extrajudicial killings ahead of the polls.

Statistics:

Over 37 million registered voters in Tanzania, a 26% increase from 2020.
Preliminary election results were expected within 24 hours, but the electoral commission has up to seven days to announce the final outcome.
Sixteen opposition candidates representing smaller parties were also on the ballot.
Low voter turnout reported across dozens of polling stations, especially among younger voters.

Sources:

AP News, "Tanzania presidential election teeters on chaos as protests erupt"
Amnesty International, "Tanzania: Fear, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings ahead of elections"
Netblocks.org, "Tanzania: Nationwide disruption to internet connectivity"
Electoral Commission of Tanzania, "Electoral Commission Statement on the Conduct of the General Election"