BREAKING: Mass Protests Breaks Out in Tanzania Over Rigged Presidential Election
The opposition and civil society groups have condemned the poll as a “sham election,” alleging that major opposition candidates were barred from participating, effectively clearing the path for the incumbent’s sweeping victory
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Widespread protests have erupted across Tanzania for the fourth consecutive day following the declaration of President Samia Suluhu Hassan as the winner of a disputed national election that granted her 98% of the vote.
The opposition and civil society groups have condemned the poll as a “sham election,” alleging that major opposition candidates were barred from participating, effectively clearing the path for the incumbent’s sweeping victory.
Eyewitnesses reported violent clashes in several regions, with demonstrators demanding fresh elections and greater transparency from the electoral commission. In Dar es Salaam and Arusha, security forces fired tear gas and made several arrests as protesters defied curfews and barricaded major roads.
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Human rights groups have expressed concern over the growing use of force by security agencies, warning that the situation could deteriorate if dialogue is not initiated.
Meanwhile, the government insists that the election was “free and fair,” accusing what it called “foreign-backed elements” of trying to destabilize the country.
