Tanzania Elections Marred by Violence and Internet Disruption

Clashes between protesters and police during a boycott of the ongoing general elections in Tanzania have resulted in the deaths of two people and injuries to several others. The situation escalated after the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party dominated the polls, while two main opposition presidential candidates, Tundu Lissu and Luhaga Mpina, were barred from standing. Amnesty International has urged the police to exercise restraint and conduct a thorough investigation into the use of lethal force against protesters.

Key Takeaways:

• At least two people were killed and several others injured during protests calling for a boycott of the general elections in Tanzania.
• Amnesty International's Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, called on the police to exercise restraint and refrain from using unnecessary and excessive force against protesters.
• A nationwide internet disruption in Tanzania threatens to further inflame the situation, with authorities urged to allow unrestricted access to information both online and offline.
• The ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party dominated the polls, while two main opposition presidential candidates, Tundu Lissu and Luhaga Mpina, were barred from standing.
• Verified videos showed largely peaceful protests on the streets of Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Tunduma, Tanga, and Mwanza among other towns.
• Amnesty International launched a briefing ahead of the elections, highlighting the Tanzanian authorities' repression of dissent against the opposition, journalists, civil society, and human rights defenders.
• The Tanzanian authorities have a constitutional responsibility to respect the human rights of all before, during, and after the elections.

Statistics:

• At least two people were killed during the protests.
• Several others were injured during the clashes between protesters and police.
• 29 October marked the day of the general elections in Tanzania.
• 202[number not specified] - a nationwide internet disruption was reported in Tanzania.

Sources:

• Amnesty International's Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah
• Verified videos from Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Tunduma, Tanga, and Mwanza among other towns
• Amnesty International briefing on the Tanzanian authorities' repression of dissent
• Tanzanian authorities and Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party
• ACT-Wazalendo and Chadema (Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo, Party for Democracy and Progress)