Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan Declared Winner Amid Protests

Tanzania’s electoral commission announced on March 30, 2024, that President Samia Suluhu Hassan has won the presidential election, securing nearly 98% of the votes. This election, however, was marred by violent protests throughout the country, raising concerns about the electoral process and human rights violations.

In the wake of the announcement, Hassan will begin a five-year term leading the East African nation of approximately 68 million people. The election took place amidst unrest, with protests erupting during the voting for both president and parliament on March 27. Witnesses reported that some demonstrators tore down banners of Hassan, set fire to government buildings, and that police responded with tear gas and gunfire.

The unrest was primarily fueled by the electoral commission’s controversial decision to exclude Hassan’s two main challengers from the race. The main opposition party, CHADEMA, claimed that hundreds of people died during the protests, while the U.N. human rights office indicated that at least ten fatalities occurred across three cities. The Tanzanian government has dismissed these claims as “hugely exaggerated” and rejected criticisms regarding its human rights record.

Election Results and Human Rights Concerns

According to the electoral commission, Hassan received over 31.9 million votes, accounting for 97.66% of the total ballots cast. Voter turnout was reported at 87% of the country’s 37.6 million registered voters, although some polling stations experienced disruptions due to the protests.

In response to the unrest, Tanzanian authorities imposed a nationwide curfew for three nights and restricted internet access. Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, denied allegations of excessive force used by security services, attributing the violence to “very few small pockets of incidents” caused by criminal elements.

The U.N. Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, called for a “thorough and impartial investigation into all allegations of excessive use of force” and expressed concern over the loss of life during the protests.

Hassan’s Leadership and Future Challenges

Following her ascension to power in 2021 after the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, Hassan initially received praise for easing restrictions on political expression. However, she has faced increasing criticism for her government’s handling of dissent, including a series of arrests and alleged abductions of political opponents. Despite these allegations, Hassan has denied any widespread abuses of human rights.

During her campaign, Hassan highlighted her administration’s accomplishments, such as expansions of road and railway networks and enhancements in power generation capacity. Nevertheless, the political landscape in Tanzania remains tense.

The CHADEMA party had called for protests during the election, describing the process as a “coronation” rather than a legitimate democratic exercise. The party was disqualified in April 2023 after refusing to sign a code of conduct, with its leader, Tundu Lissu, facing treason charges. The electoral commission’s decision to also disqualify a candidate from the ACT-Wazalendo party left only minor parties opposing Hassan in the election.

As Tanzania faces a critical juncture in its political history, the implications of this election, amidst allegations of violence and repression, will likely resonate domestically and internationally. The government’s response to these challenges will be pivotal in shaping the future of democracy in the country.