Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been sworn-in for her first elected term after winning 97.66% of the vote in an election marred by deadly protest.
Hassan came to power in 2021 after sudden death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, and analysts say she sought a decisive election victory to strengthen her position and silence critics. Ahead of the vote, and rights groups reported a “wave of terror”, including abduction of opponents.
Despite tight security, protests broke out on election day, with crowds tearing down campaign posters and clashing with police as they were using the internet blackout to track opposition members and protesters who may have recorded violence.
Since election day, internet services have been out, limiting independent verification of reports. A diplomatic source said there were credible reports of hundreds of deaths in hospitals and clinics nationwide.
CHADEMA said it had recorded at least 800 deaths, though this numbers could not be confirmed.
The government has not commented on the casualties, only denying the use of excessive force.
Schools and colleges remained closed on Monday, public transport was halted, and some church service were canceled.
According to reports, the swearing-in was overshadowed by violence as the opposition party has rejected the outcome of the result describing it as “fake results from fake elections” The Electoral Commission claimed 87 percent turnout.
The U.S, Canada, and the UK have issued travel warnings advising citizens to avoid Tanzania due to unrest following the October 29 election.
