Tanzania’s recent presidential election has once again exposed the fragile state of democratic processes in East Africa’s largest economy. President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured a staggering victory with nearly 98% of the vote, according to official tallies announced by the electoral commission. However, behind this lopsided win lies a story fraught with political tension, violent protests, and widespread allegations of repression and electoral misconduct. The electoral drama has raised serious questions both domestically and internationally about the state of democracy in Tanzania.
The election, held on October 29, 2025, was labeled a landslide for Hassan, who garnered approximately 31.9 million votes out of nearly 32.5 million ballots cast. The official turnout was reported as a robust 87%, a number that observers questioned due to widespread disturbances that marred voting day in key urban centers. Hassan’s victory was secured after the exclusion and imprisonment of her main opposition rivals, which many critics interpreted as an engineered pathway to uncontested power.
The aftermath of the election was marked by immediate and intense upheaval. Protests erupted in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and other major cities, sparked by citizens and opposition groups who denounced the vote as rigged and unfair. Demonstrators set fire to government buildings and campaign materials associated with Hassan, while security forces responded aggressively with tear gas and live ammunition—actions that reportedly led to hundreds of casualties, according to opposition sources. Several human rights organizations and the United Nations expressed grave concerns over the crackdown and the increasing restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly.
President Hassan addressed the nation after her victory was certified, emphatically defending the legitimacy of the elections and condemning the protests as unpatriotic acts of violence. In her speech, she praised security agencies for their role in maintaining order and vowed to maintain stability in the country, emphasizing the need to “employ every available security measure” to keep Tanzania safe.
The main opposition party, Chadema, outright rejected the election results, calling for fresh elections under credible international supervision. John Kitoka, a party spokesman, condemned the election as a “mockery of the democratic process” and accused the government of using state machinery to suppress dissent. Chadema’s claims have been echoed by international observers who cited a lack of transparency, political intimidation, and an uneven playing field.
This election is the latest chapter in Tanzania’s tumultuous political landscape. Since assuming power in 2021 following the death of ex-president John Magufuli, Hassan’s government has faced accusations of silencing opposition voices and curbing press freedom. The deepening authoritarian atmosphere has led to increased political polarization and raised alarms among democracy watchdogs.
The government’s handling of the elections and subsequent protests also exposed significant infrastructure and communication issues. Authorities instituted intermittent internet blackouts, limiting social media access and hindering journalists’ ability to report freely. Critics argue these actions were designed to suppress the spread of information about the violence and electoral fraud.
Despite the controversy, Hassan now embarks on a new five-year term with a strengthened grip on power. Her rule could mean greater political stability on a managerial level but also risks entrenching a system hostile to democratic pluralism. The international community watches with caution, aware of Tanzania’s strategic importance in regional politics and economy.
These events also have implications beyond politics. Tanzania’s youth—a substantial portion of the population—expressed apathy and skepticism during the electoral process, which many see as a symptom of broader disenchantment with governance and socioeconomic challenges.
By concentrating power in the hands of a single leader while marginalizing dissenting voices, Tanzania risks alienating large swaths of its population. Sustainable development and social cohesion require inclusive governance and respect for civil liberties—principles that appear increasingly under threat.
As Tanzania navigates this volatile phase, political reconciliation efforts will be crucial in healing divisions and restoring confidence in democratic institutions. Meaningful reform, transparent elections, and dialogue across political divides will ultimately determine whether the country can overcome its current crisis and build a resilient democracy.
In sum, President Hassan’s electoral triumph came at a high human and political cost, highlighting the fragility of electoral democracy in Tanzania. The road ahead demands balancing security with civil freedoms and ensuring that the voices of all Tanzanians are heard—not just those amplified by power.
