Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner of Saturday’s presidential election with a landslide 97.66% of the vote, according to the country’s electoral commission. Voter turnout was reported at 87%, despite widespread reports that polling stations were largely empty. However, the election has sparked mass unrest, with the opposition claiming hundreds of protesters have been killed by security forces.

Hassan Declares Victory Amid Chaos

At 65, Hassan sought to consolidate her political position and silence dissent within her party. Her victory was aided by the disqualification or imprisonment of main opposition candidates. Speaking on state television as she accepted her winner’s certificate, Hassan condemned the protests and defended the government’s security measures.

“The government strongly condemns and denounces those incidents,” Hassan said. “When it comes to national security, there is no alternative but to employ all defence measures.” She described the protests as “violent” and “not patriotic at all.”

Opposition Claims Widespread Violence

The main opposition party, Chadema, accused security forces of killing “no less than 800 people” since the start of the unrest on Wednesday. A security source and a diplomat in Dar es Salaam also reported deaths “in the hundreds,” though verification is difficult due to a continuing internet blackout across Tanzania.

Chadema spokesman John Kitoka condemned the election as a “mockery of the democratic process” and called for a fresh election, warning that the opposition might organize national protests in response.

Father Charles Kitima, secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference in Dar es Salaam, described the situation as a sign that Tanzania has become a “totalitarian regime,” noting that this is the first time in the country’s history that mass killings occurred during protests.

International Reactions

The African Union congratulated Hassan on her victory but expressed regret over the loss of life. The United Nations, through spokespersons for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, also voiced deep concern over reports of deaths and injuries during demonstrations.

Amid the unrest, essential services have been disrupted. Flights were cancelled, the main port in Dar es Salaam was closed, shops reported shortages of food, petrol stations shuttered, and public transport was halted. Locals, like Mohamed Rajab, reported being stranded, saying: “I have been staying in the mosque since Wednesday when the violence erupted. There is no transport. I’m not sure when I’m going back home.”

Background: From Vice-President to President

Hassan ascended to the presidency in 2021 following the sudden death of her predecessor, John Magufuli. Human rights organizations have accused her government of a “wave of terror” in the lead-up to the election, including a series of abductions and political crackdowns. Chadema was barred from participating, and its leader faced a treason trial.

Despite a heavy security presence, election day descended into chaos as protesters clashed with police, tore down posters, and attacked polling stations, prompting an internet shutdown and curfews in major cities.

Hassan’s government denies excessive force was used. Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo stated that no official figures on casualties were available, saying: “Currently, no excessive force has been used. There’s no number until now of any protesters killed.”

Military and Family Involvement

Reports indicate public anger toward Hassan’s son, Abdul Halim Hafidh Ameir, who allegedly oversaw pre-election crackdowns. Unconfirmed reports suggested the army sided with some protesters in areas, but Army Chief Jacob Mkunda publicly aligned with Hassan, calling protesters “criminals.”

Outlook and Concerns

The election has raised serious concerns about democracy, human rights, and political stability in Tanzania. Observers and international bodies continue to monitor the situation closely, amid fears that the unrest could escalate further in the coming days.