Tanzania's Election Unrest: A Threat to Democracy and International Reputation

Tanzania's image as a peaceful, stable nation is on the line after a violent election day saw protests break out in major cities, with voters enraged by the exclusion of main opposition candidates and increased repression of government critics. The government deployed the military, declared a curfew, and restricted internet access, leading to reports of deaths and widespread unrest. The European Union has condemned the election as neither free nor fair, citing the silencing of opposition, denial of freedom of assembly and expression, and intimidation of independent media.

Key Takeaways:

• The Tanzanian government deployed the military and imposed a curfew in Dar es Salaam after protests broke out on election day, resulting in reports of deaths and widespread unrest.
• The European Union condemned the election as neither free nor fair, citing the silencing of opposition, denial of freedom of assembly and expression, and intimidation of independent media.
• Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan's government is accused of suppressing dissenting voices, detaining opposition politicians, and excluding citizens from the political process.
• The election was dominated by controversy, particularly the treason trial of Tundu Lissu, leader of CHADEMA, Tanzania's main opposition party.
• Analysts say there is a lack of legitimacy to whoever wins the elections, with the political developments feeding into a long-term sequence in Tanzania where the constitution has not been overhauled since independence.
• Recommendations for reform include the restoration of the rule of law, constitution of a national dialogue, and establishment of a roadmap for reforms.

Statistics:

• At least 1 presidential candidate (Othman Masoud) was barred from running due to alleged non-compliance with the electoral code of conduct.
• The European Union has condemned the Tanzanian election as neither free nor fair.
• Reports of deaths and widespread unrest in major cities.
• Internet disrupted, with citizens facing difficulty communicating via mobile phones.

Sources:

• European Parliament: " MEPs condemn Tanzania's elections as neither free nor fair" (Source: DW)
• Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition: Blessing Vava, Executive Director (Source: DW)
• Chatham House: Fergus Kell, Research Fellow (Source: DW)
• Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation: Provisional presidential election results (Source: Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation)
• DW: "Tanzania's image of peace on the line after poll" (Source: DW)