Tanzania's Disputed Election Descends into Chaos as President Hassan Declared Winner
In a landslide victory, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of the country's disputed presidential election with an astonishing 98% of the vote. The electoral commission announced the final result on Saturday, showing Hassan dominating every constituency and leaving her main opposition rivals in the dust.
Hassan's victory was met with widespread protests and violence, as demonstrators took to the streets of major cities to express their discontent. The Chadema party, one of the main opposition parties, slammed Hassan's win as a "mockery of the democratic process," calling for the intervention of a credible body to oversee another fresh election.
The election day itself was marred by chaos, with protesters clashing with security forces in various parts of the country. According to eyewitnesses, police fired tear gas and gunshots, while some demonstrators set fire to government buildings and tore down banners bearing Hassan's name. The restrictions on internet connectivity, including social media and mobile internet, further fueled the unrest.
Human rights groups have raised concerns about the safety of protesters, with Chadema claiming that up to 800 people were killed by security forces during the protests. However, the UN human rights office has reported at least 10 deaths in three cities. The African Union chair has also expressed "deep regret" over the loss of life and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
The foreign minister has dismissed claims that excessive force was used, but analysts have raised concerns about a "campaign of harassment and intimidation" against opposition parties. Alex Vines, Africa director at the European Council on Foreign Relations, described the violence as unexpected in Tanzania and warned that it reflects a deep-seated crisis within the country.
As Hassan takes office, human rights groups will be watching with keen interest to see how she addresses the concerns raised by her opponents. With many young people feeling left behind and disenchanted with the current government, there is a growing sense of unease in Tanzania. Will President Hassan's landslide victory bring stability and prosperity to the country, or will it further entrench the deep-seated crisis that has gripped Tanzania?
In a landslide victory, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of the country's disputed presidential election with an astonishing 98% of the vote. The electoral commission announced the final result on Saturday, showing Hassan dominating every constituency and leaving her main opposition rivals in the dust.
Hassan's victory was met with widespread protests and violence, as demonstrators took to the streets of major cities to express their discontent. The Chadema party, one of the main opposition parties, slammed Hassan's win as a "mockery of the democratic process," calling for the intervention of a credible body to oversee another fresh election.
The election day itself was marred by chaos, with protesters clashing with security forces in various parts of the country. According to eyewitnesses, police fired tear gas and gunshots, while some demonstrators set fire to government buildings and tore down banners bearing Hassan's name. The restrictions on internet connectivity, including social media and mobile internet, further fueled the unrest.
Human rights groups have raised concerns about the safety of protesters, with Chadema claiming that up to 800 people were killed by security forces during the protests. However, the UN human rights office has reported at least 10 deaths in three cities. The African Union chair has also expressed "deep regret" over the loss of life and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
The foreign minister has dismissed claims that excessive force was used, but analysts have raised concerns about a "campaign of harassment and intimidation" against opposition parties. Alex Vines, Africa director at the European Council on Foreign Relations, described the violence as unexpected in Tanzania and warned that it reflects a deep-seated crisis within the country.
As Hassan takes office, human rights groups will be watching with keen interest to see how she addresses the concerns raised by her opponents. With many young people feeling left behind and disenchanted with the current government, there is a growing sense of unease in Tanzania. Will President Hassan's landslide victory bring stability and prosperity to the country, or will it further entrench the deep-seated crisis that has gripped Tanzania?
I'm really concerned about what's happening in Tanzania right now. 98% is just insane 
. I don't even know how that's possible without some serious voter suppression going on. And to be honest, I'm a bit worried about President Hassan taking office with this kind of backlash against her opponents. The opposition party is claiming up to 800 people were killed during the protests which is absolutely devastating 
. Human rights groups are right to be watching closely and holding her government accountable.
. For example, they could invest in digital platforms to increase transparency and accountability in governance. Or even provide internet access to all citizens so they can stay informed and connect with each other.
.
think about all those ppl who dont feel represented... how can u call dat democracy wen somethin feels rigged from da start? 
also, what does it say about our society when young ppl feel like they're not part of da solution? should we be surprised if they take to da streets to express their discontent? 
what's gonna happen when dis "deep-seated crisis" hits home for alot more ppl? will we see more unrest, or maybe some kinda change? 
... i mean idk about politics but from what im reading its like a whole different story in real life 
... 98% of the vote is just crazy and i can understand why ppl would protest like that 
... human rights groups should be all over this ASAP to make sure ppl are treated fairly 
. i hope the new president is willing to listen to the concerns of her ppl and try to make a change for real 
.
... will they be able to find stability and prosperity, or will things just keep going downhill? only time will tell 
.
and btw, 800 people killed by security forces sounds like a pretty big number dont you think? what evidence do they have to back up that claim 
the way samia suluhu hassan won the election is suspicious, 98% of the vote is kinda crazy, especially if her opponents didn't get a fair chance to campaign. i'm worried about the human rights groups' claims that up to 800 people got killed during protests 
it's not a good look for tanzania. the african union chair's deep regret is the least of hassan's worries now, she needs to focus on rebuilding trust with her citizens 
and addressing the concerns of her opponents before it gets out of hand 
.
[Image of a person throwing away a ballot box with a red "X" marked through it]
[GIF of a train barreling down on something, with the words "Chaos in Tanzania" written above]
[Meme of a calculator adding up numbers, with the words "Money Can't Buy Peace in Tanzania"]
[GIF of a puzzle piece falling into place, representing hope for Tanzania's future]
.
. We need to figure out a way to bring the country together and address the issues that are driving people away from Hassan 
. It's not gonna be easy, but if she wants to make a difference, she needs to listen to her people and work on creating change – not just more of the same stuff 
98% of the vote is just a little too perfect for comfort 
and I'm not buying the "deep regret" from the AU, sounds like a bunch of lip service to me 
and what's up with all these protests? seems like everyone's just trying to stir up drama 
and not just a bunch of empty promises