Protests Ignite in Tanzania as Election Results Spark Outrage

Protests erupted in Tanzania’s commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, as demonstrators clashed with police for a third consecutive day over the national electoral body’s announcement of results. The unrest follows the elections held on March 15, 2024, where the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), sought to extend its long-standing grip on power.

The situation escalated dramatically on Wednesday when citizens expressed their discontent over the limited political choices available, particularly the barring of candidates from the two main opposition parties. President Samia Suluhu Hassan faced challenges from 16 candidates belonging to smaller parties, most of whom had minimal campaign presence. The opposition has alleged significant electoral fraud, particularly in the semi-autonomous region of Zanzibar, where the electoral commission reported that incumbent President Hussein Mwinyi secured 78.8% of the votes.

As the national electoral body continued to release results, protests intensified. Demonstrators demanded an immediate halt to the announcements, leading to increased police presence and military deployment. Reports indicate that the violence resulted in the destruction of vehicles, a gas station, and police facilities, although the government has yet to confirm the extent of injuries or damage.

Amnesty International has reported that two individuals died during the protests, highlighting the violent nature of the demonstrations. The unrest has prompted the government to delay the reopening of colleges and universities, which were scheduled to resume classes next week.

Meanwhile, the Tanzanian military, led by General Jacob John Mkunda, condemned the unrest and pledged to collaborate with various security agencies to restore order. The military’s presence was particularly noted in Zanzibar, where calm returned despite the heavy troop deployment.

The protests have not only resonated within Tanzania but also among the diaspora. Tanzanians abroad have organized daily discussions on platforms like X Spaces to analyze the situation and explore avenues for financially supporting demonstrators.

The situation remains fluid, with opposition leaders promising to outline their next steps in response to what they characterize as “massive fraud.” As the unrest continues, international observers are closely monitoring the developments in Tanzania, a nation that has faced increasing political tensions in recent years.