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Hassan, Samia Suluhu

Tanzania's Opposition Party Rejects President's Landslide Victory in Contested Election

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The main opposition party in Tanzania, Chadema, has rejected President Samia Suluhu Hassan's landslide victory in elections that were marred by deadly protests and allegations of a flawed electoral process. The party cited the exclusion of its leader, Tundu Lissu, from the election and the government's use of "excessive force" against protesters as reasons for rejecting the results. Despite Hassan's party winning nearly 98% of the vote, opposition groups and human rights organizations have expressed concerns about the legitimacy of the election.

Key Takeaways:

  • Chadema, the main opposition party in Tanzania, has rejected President Samia Suluhu Hassan's landslide victory in the recent election.
  • The party claims that the election was flawed and that its leader, Tundu Lissu, was unfairly excluded from the contest.
  • Chadema also alleges that the government used excessive force against protesters, resulting in hundreds of deaths.
  • The opposition party cited "clear proof" of the countrywide demonstrations, with the statement saying: "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."
  • Tundu Lissu was arrested for treason in April, and Chadema says he was unfairly excluded from the election.
  • Chadema spokesman claims that "around 700" people have been killed by security forces since protests broke out on election day.
  • A security source and diplomat in Dar es Salaam told AFP that deaths were "in the hundreds".
  • The government has disputed the figures.
  • Tanzania's government has imposed a tight lockdown and curfew nationwide, and news websites have not been updated since Wednesday.
  • UN chief Antonio Guterres is "deeply concerned" about the situation in Tanzania, citing reports of deaths and injuries.

Statistics:

  • Nearly 98% of the vote went to President Samia Suluhu Hassan's party.
  • Chadema claims that "around 700" people have been killed by security forces since protests broke out on election day.
  • Deaths were estimated to be "in the hundreds" by a security source and diplomat in Dar es Salaam.
  • The government has imposed a tight lockdown and curfew nationwide.
  • News websites have not been updated since Wednesday.

Sources:

  • Radio France Internationale
  • AllAfrica Global Media

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