Tanzania election unrest continues for a third day

Protests have continued for a third day in Tanzania’s commercial capital following a disputed general election, with hundreds of demonstrators clashing with police as they demand a halt to the release of results.

The government has deployed soldiers onto the streets of Dar-es-Salaam and enforced an internet shutdown in response to the unrest. On Thursday, police used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse protesters who defied a curfew in several neighbourhoods of the city.

The crisis began on Wednesday after polls closed in an election where the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party sought to extend its six-decade rule. The vote was marred by the exclusion of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s main challengers, which drew condemnation from citizens and rights groups.

Amnesty International has reported at least two protest-related deaths this week.

State television has been broadcasting results showing a strong lead for the CCM on the mainland. President Hassan, who took office in 2021 after the death of her predecessor John Magufuli, has faced rising international criticism for what the United Nations describes as an “escalating” crackdown on government critics.

The electoral landscape was heavily restricted ahead of the vote. In April, the Independent National Electoral Commission disqualified the main opposition party, Chadema, for refusing to sign an electoral code of conduct. Days earlier, Chadema leader Tundu Lissu was arrested and charged with treason.

The candidate for the second-largest opposition party, ACT-Wazalendo, was also barred from running.

International observers had warned of potential violence for months. In September, Human Rights Watch (HRW) documented at least 10 recent instances of politically motivated assault, harassment, and abduction.

“The authorities need to stop muzzling dissenting voices and the media and instead engage in meaningful reforms to ensure free, fair and credible elections,” said Nomathamsanqa Masiko-Mpaka, an HRW researcher, last month.

Opposition Alleges ‘Massive Fraud’ in Zanzibar

Meanwhile, the ruling CCM retained the presidency in the semi-autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar. The electoral commission announced Thursday that incumbent President Hussein Mwinyi had won 78.8% of the vote.

The opposition has rejected the results, alleging “massive fraud,” and stated it would announce its next steps.

As protests spread across the country, the government has postponed the reopening of colleges and universities. Army Chief Jacob John Mkunda condemned the violence, stating the military would work with other security agencies to contain the situation.