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Hassan, Samia Suluhu

Tanzania Elections Marred by "Wave of Terror" and Suspended Opposition

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Tanzania has opened its polls yesterday, with President Samia Suluhu Hassan seeking a decisive victory amidst allegations of electoral irregularities and violence. The main challengers to Hassan's rule have been either jailed, barred from running, or disqualified, prompting rights groups to decry a "wave of terror". Analysts expect a tight race due to the island's greater degree of freedom, but concerns have been raised about the independence of the electoral commission and the alleged suppression of the opposition and media.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Samia Suluhu Hassan is seeking a decisive victory in the Tanzania elections, which has been marred by allegations of electoral irregularities and violence.
  • The main challengers to Hassan's rule, including Tundu Lissu, have been either jailed, barred from running, or disqualified, prompting rights groups to decry a "wave of terror".
  • Amnesty International has detailed a "wave of terror" including "enforced disappearance and torture... and extrajudicial killings of opposition figures and activists".
  • Human Rights Watch has stated that the authorities have suppressed the political opposition and critics of the ruling party, stifled the media, and failed to ensure the electoral commission's independence.
  • The only other serious candidate, Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, was disqualified on technicalities, leaving Hassan with little opposition.
  • Fears are growing that members of the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), are being targeted, including Humphrey Polepole, a former CCM spokesperson and ambassador to Cuba, who went missing after criticising Hassan.
  • The Tanganyika Law Society has confirmed 83 abductions since Hassan came to power, with another 20 reported in recent weeks.

Statistics:

  • Tanzania's economy grew by 5.5% last year, according to the World Bank, on the back of strong agriculture, tourism, and mining sectors.
  • 17 people were arrested by police in the north-western Kagera region this weekend for planning unrest on election day.
  • President Hassan has promised big infrastructure projects and universal health insurance in a bid to win over voters.

Sources:

  • AFP
  • Amnesty International report
  • Human Rights Watch report
  • World Bank

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