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Critics of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is running for a second term, and of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) — in power since independence in 1961 — took to the streets to denounce the harassment of opposition leaders and what they described as limited electoral options.
Tanzania’s presidential election edged toward turmoil on Wednesday as protests broke out, prompting the deployment of the military, an internet shutdown, and the imposition of a curfew in the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam.
The U.S. Embassy issued a security alert, warning of “nationwide protests” across the East African country.
Tanzania’s Inspector General of Police, Camillus Wambura, announced that a curfew in Dar es Salaam would begin at 6 p.m., following incidents in the Kimara and Ubungo neighborhoods where demonstrators set a bus and a gas station on fire.
Local media reported additional protests in Magomeni, Kinondoni, and Tandale, while polling stations in regions such as Arusha and Mbeya were vandalized.
The military was also deployed in Dodoma and Zanzibar, including on streets housing several media outlets.
According to NetBlocks, an internet watchdog group, Tanzania experienced a “nationwide disruption of internet connectivity.”
Human rights organizations have long accused the government of arbitrarily arresting, detaining, and intimidating its critics and opposition figures.
Tundu Lissu, the leader of the main opposition CHADEMA party, remains imprisoned on treason charges after demanding electoral reforms.
Meanwhile, the candidate representing the second-largest opposition party was disqualified from the race.
Amnesty International described the electoral climate as one of fear, citing verified reports of enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and extrajudicial killings in the lead-up to the vote.
Preliminary results were expected within 24 hours, although the electoral commission is legally permitted up to seven days to declare the final outcome.
Spot checks at polling stations indicated low voter turnout, particularly among the youth.
James Matonya, a university student, told the Associated Press that he chose not to vote because the election felt like “a one-horse race.”
President Hassan is seeking her first full term after completing the remainder of her predecessor John Magufuli’s tenure following his death in 2021. Sixteen candidates from smaller opposition parties were also listed on the ballot.
Neither the president nor the ruling party had issued a public statement as events unfolded.
Tanzania counts over 37 million registered voters, representing a 26% increase from 2020, yet analysts have warned of widespread voter apathy, given the prevailing assumption that Hassan would win comfortably.
In Zanzibar, the opposition ACT Wazalendo party alleged that early voting by election and security officials on Tuesday was marred by irregularities, including impersonation and the exclusion of party representatives.
By Filian K – Rtv
