Samia Suluhu Hassan Declared Winner of Tanzania Election as Protests Grip Major Cities
DODOMA / DAR ES SALAAM
Tanzania’s incumbent president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has Saturday 1st.November.2025 been declared the winner of the country’s presidential election, securing an official landslide of roughly 97–98% of the vote, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The announcement early Saturday capped an election weekend that saw widespread unrest, internet disruptions and allegations by rights groups and opposition figures that key challengers were jailed or barred from participating.
The result and the numbers
INEC’s official tally gave President Samia an overwhelming mandate — near 98% of counted ballots — with turnout figures reported by the commission well above regional averages. The commission said the vote was free and fair; critics, however, called the margin implausible given the political context and pointed to what they described as a heavily constrained electoral playing field.
Opposition excluded, streets erupt
The vote took place after a months-long crackdown on major opposition parties and figures. Several prominent opponents were either disqualified, detained, or faced legal proceedings in the run-up to the election, a factor opposition leaders say robbed the contest of credibility. After partial results and projections circulated, thousands of people poured into the streets of Dar es Salaam, Mwanza and other urban centers to protest; security forces responded with force in several locations, and rights groups and opposition sources reported fatalities and mass arrests. The UN and international watchdogs have called for independent investigations into the use of force.
What happened at the polls
Election day reportedly saw a patchwork of experiences across Tanzania: some polling stations opened and operated with routine order, while others reported disruptions, delayed openings, and localized clashes. Observers both domestic and international gave mixed accounts — with some noting a calm in rural areas where the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) enjoys deep support, and others highlighting urban protests and significant barriers faced by opposition activists and media. Authorities acknowledged some incidents but described much of the unrest as the work of “criminal elements” rather than peaceful protest.
Reactions at home and abroad
The CCM and government officials hailed the result as a reaffirmation of stability and continuity, emphasizing development gains and pledging to press ahead on infrastructure, investment and social programs. Opposition leaders denounced the process as a sham and called for international intervention and investigations; some opposition parties said they would pursue legal challenges. International reactions were cautious — many governments and multilateral bodies expressed concern about reports of repression, called for restraint, and urged independent, transparent probes into election-day violence and detentions.
Samia’s political arc and what this means
Samia Suluhu Hassan first became president in 2021 after the death of her predecessor and has since moved between conciliatory gestures to international partners and a tightening of domestic political controls, according to analysts. Her re-election — if validated and implemented without major international consequences — would give her a second full five-year term to shape Tanzania’s economic and foreign policy direction, including engagement with regional blocs and investment partners. Critics worry that an uncontested consolidation of power could accelerate restrictions on dissent and civic space.
Humanitarian and civic concerns
Human rights organizations have raised alarms about arrests, alleged disappearances, and limits on media freedom in the weeks around the election. Hospitals and local human-rights monitors reported casualties during the protests; official tallies differ from opposition claims, and the UN has said it is seeking clarity on the scale of fatalities and injuries. Observers also pointed to internet slowdowns during the critical period, hindering independent reporting and communications.
What to watch next
Legal challenges and domestic scrutiny: Opposition parties have signaled intentions to challenge parts of the process; the courts and electoral watchdogs will be central to how the dispute unfolds.
International response: Diplomatic messaging, potential sanctions, and statements from multilateral institutions could shape Tanzania’s external relations in the short term.
On-the-ground stability: Continued protests, potential crackdowns, and any escalation will determine immediate humanitarian needs and investor confidence.
Quick facts
Official result: Samia Suluhu Hassan — ~97.6–98% of the vote (INEC).
Election date: 29 October 2025 (vote count and results finalized Nov 1).
Main issues: Opposition disqualifications/arrests, violent protests, internet disruptions, calls for independent inquiry.
