Tanzania's Presidential Election Marred by Violence and Ruling Party's Dominance

Tanzania's disputed presidential election has been marred by violent protests and the ruling party's dominance, with President Samia Suluhu Hassan declared the winner with nearly 98 percent of the vote. Despite a heavy security presence, election day descended into chaos, with demonstrators taking to the streets of major cities to protest against the barring of opposition leaders from running and what they described as widespread repression. Human rights groups have alleged that the government oversaw a "wave of terror" in the country before the vote, including high-profile abductions.

Key Takeaways:

President Samia Suluhu Hassan won the presidential election with 97.66 percent of the vote, dominating every constituency.
Tensions rose as protesters took to the streets of major cities, with demonstrators tearing down banners of Hassan and setting fire to government buildings.
The opposition party, Chadema, has reported that "about 700" people were killed in the violence, citing figures gathered from a network of hospitals and health clinics.
The UN human rights office has reported that at least 10 people were killed in three cities, with credible reports indicating that excessive force was used by the authorities.
Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo denied allegations of excessive force, stating that "no excessive force has been used" and that the government has "no official figures" on protesters killed.
Tundu Lissu, leader of Chadema, has been jailed for months on charges of treason, while another opposition figure, Luhaga Mpina, was barred from running.
Rights groups have alleged that Hassan oversaw a "wave of terror" in the country before the vote, including high-profile abductions.
United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern about the situation in Tanzania, citing reports of deaths and injuries during the demonstrations.

Sources:

Tanzanian electoral commission
AP News
Bloomberg
The New Nation