Tanzanian President Hassan Secures Controversial Election Victory

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has claimed a significant victory in the country’s recent election, securing over 97% of the vote, according to official results announced on Saturday. This landslide win, which took place on October 29, 2023, has sparked widespread criticism regarding the legitimacy of the election process.

Hassan received her winner’s certificate from electoral authorities in Dodoma, the administrative capital. In her address, she emphasized that the election results reflected a strong endorsement from Tanzanians for a female leader. “It’s time to unite our country and not destroy what we’ve built over more than six decades,” she stated, pledging to work with security agencies to maintain peace in the nation.

The election has been marred by allegations of violence and suppression. Critics, opposition groups, and international observers have raised concerns that the election resembled a coronation rather than a genuine democratic process. Key opposition figures, including Tundu Lissu, leader of the Chadema party, were barred from running. Lissu has been in prison for months on charges of treason after advocating for electoral reforms. Another opposition candidate, Luhaga Mpina from the ACT-Wazalendo party, was also prevented from participating.

Violence and Protests Mark Election Period

The atmosphere surrounding the election was tense, with protests erupting in major cities, including Dar es Salaam. Demonstrators expressed their discontent with the electoral process, resulting in violent clashes with security forces. The military was deployed to assist police in managing the unrest, and reports indicate that internet connectivity was frequently disrupted during this period.

According to the United Nations human rights office, credible reports suggest that at least 10 deaths occurred during the protests, particularly in Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga, and Morogoro. Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, expressed concern over the situation, urging all parties to prevent further escalation. Furthermore, the foreign ministers of the United Kingdom, Canada, and Norway issued a joint statement highlighting the significant injuries and fatalities resulting from the security response to the demonstrations.

Criticism of Authoritarian Governance

Hassan’s administration has faced accusations of authoritarian practices, with rights groups such as Amnesty International documenting a pattern of enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and extrajudicial killings. A UN panel of human rights experts reported over 200 cases of enforced disappearances since 2019, leading to alarm over the repression of dissent in the lead-up to the elections.

The ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has maintained a firm grip on power since Tanzania’s independence in 1961. Critics argue that while previous leaders allowed some opposition, Hassan’s tenure has been marked by a crackdown on political dissent. The International Crisis Group noted that her government has curtailed freedom of expression, implementing bans on social media platforms and silencing critical voices through intimidation.

The political landscape in Tanzania is shifting, with youth-led movements advocating for change. Yet, Hassan’s decisive victory has raised concerns about the future of democracy in the country. Her administration’s actions suggest a continuation of CCM’s long-standing rule, which has historically combined state and party functions, contributing to the party’s substantial support, particularly among rural voters.

As the nation absorbs the implications of this election, the potential for further unrest remains. The government’s response to dissent and the handling of political opposition will be critical in shaping Tanzania’s political future.