President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been re-elected for a second term, securing a landslide 97.66% of the vote, the nation’s electoral commission announced on Saturday.
The Electoral Commission of Tanzania declared the outgoing president the winner in an election that was closely watched but marred by controversy. The overwhelming victory, however, follows a campaign period where her primary rivals were either imprisoned or disqualified from the race, effectively sidelining any significant opposition.
The announcement of the results was met with international scrutiny. Independent observers reported an extremely low voter turnout, with numerous polling stations displaying nearly empty ballot boxes.
The post-election period has been turbulent, marked by three consecutive days of significant violence and public protests that began on election day. The unrest highlighted the tense political climate surrounding the electoral process.
While this marks President Hassan’s second term in office, it is her first time being directly elected by the public. She first ascended to the presidency in 2021, serving as vice president at the time of her predecessor, John Magufuli’s, death.
For now, the capital city, Dodoma, is reported to be calm. Nevertheless, several foreign embassies have issued advisories, urging caution for their citizens amid the ongoing political tensions.