BREAKING NEWS | SAMIA SULUHU DECLARED WINNER OF TANZANIA’S 2025 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION AS DEADLY PROTESTS ERUPT NATIONWIDE

 DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA — Tanzania’s National Electoral Commission has declared President Samia Suluhu Hassan the winner of the 2025 presidential election with an overwhelming 97.66% of the vote, securing a new five-year term.

According to official results released on Saturday, Suluhu received 31,913,866 votes out of 32,678,844 cast nationwide — a margin that has sparked disbelief, anger, and violent protests across several cities.

Nearly 98% Victory Raises Eyebrows

President Samia Suluhu’s landslide win marks one of the most dominant election results in the country’s history. However, critics and opposition groups have questioned the credibility of the process, describing it as “deeply flawed” and “undemocratic.”

The election took place amid reports of intimidation, media restrictions, and disqualification of key opposition figures. The electoral commission barred Suluhu’s two main challengers just days before the vote, prompting widespread criticism both locally and internationally.

Observers note that voter turnout figures appear unusually high — with over 32.6 million ballots reportedly cast — raising further questions about transparency and accuracy.

Protests Turn Deadly After Disqualifications

What began as peaceful demonstrations on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, quickly escalated into chaos. Protesters took to the streets in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza, and other major cities, accusing the ruling party of stealing the election.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of violence as angry crowds tore down campaign posters, set fire to government offices, and clashed with security forces. Police responded with teargas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition, according to multiple reports.

Local hospitals have since been overwhelmed with injured civilians, and several regions remain under heavy police and military presence.

Opposition Claims Hundreds Dead

The main opposition party claims that up to 700 people may have been killed during the post-election unrest. However, the United Nations Human Rights Office has confirmed only 10 deaths so far, urging restraint and calling for independent investigations into the alleged use of excessive force.

In a statement released Friday, the UN said:

“We are deeply concerned about the escalating violence in Tanzania and the reports of disproportionate use of force by security agencies. We call on all parties to respect human rights and engage in dialogue.”

The Tanzanian government has dismissed the opposition’s casualty figures as “hugely exaggerated”, insisting that the situation is “under control.”

Government Response and Information Blackout

Authorities have restricted access to social media platforms and messaging apps across several regions, citing security concerns and the need to curb misinformation. Internet users reported difficulties accessing platforms like X (Twitter), Facebook, and WhatsApp, as security forces tightened their grip on communication channels.

State-run media outlets have maintained that the elections were “free, fair, and peaceful”, while opposition leaders continue to call for mass demonstrations and international intervention.

International Reactions

The African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), and several human rights organizations have expressed alarm over the unfolding crisis.

A joint statement from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch condemned what they called “an alarming crackdown on dissent and freedom of expression.”

Regional analysts warn that the current unrest could undermine Tanzania’s image as one of East Africa’s more stable democracies.

What’s Next for Tanzania?

As the situation remains tense, many Tanzanians are waiting to see whether President Samia Suluhu will address the crisis through dialogue or tighten her administration’s control.

Political analysts suggest that reconciliation and transparency will be key to restoring trust in government institutions. Others, however, fear that the government’s hardline response may deepen divisions and push the country toward long-term instability.

For now, the streets remain tense, security patrols continue, and the world is watching closely as Tanzania navigates one of its most turbulent political moments in recent history.

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