Protests Erupt During Tanzania Election

Police in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s commercial hub, have used tear gas to break up opposition supporters rallying against the ongoing general election in the country.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) are widely expected to secure victory, as the main opposition figure remains behind bars on treason charges — allegations he denies — and his party has refused to participate in the poll.

Clashes broke out when opposition supporters assembled along key roads, calling for electoral reforms and greater political freedoms. Several people were reportedly injured.

Fire was set on major routes, damaging buses and destroying several transport terminals and other public facilities.

“We are tired… We want an independent electoral commission so that every Tanzanian can choose the leader they want,” one protester told the BBC.

Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Alfred Chalamila cautioned that authorities would respond firmly to anyone attempting to disturb the city’s peace.

Internet monitoring group NetBlocks said there was a “nationwide disruption to internet connectivity” in a statement posted on X.

Local reports indicate that turnout in Dar es Salaam was low when polling stations opened on Wednesday, with many residents reluctant to take part over security fears.

A police spokesperson insisted the situation was safe, urging citizens to participate: “people should come out and vote,” the officer said in a social media message.

More than 37 million people are registered to vote in the presidential and parliamentary contests.

Sixteen minor political parties — none with a strong national presence — are on the ballot against Samia, who is seeking to extend her tenure.

The only major challenger, ACT-Wazalendo candidate Luhaga Mpina, was barred from running due to what officials described as legal irregularities.

The ruling CCM has held power continuously since independence and has never been defeated in a national election.

Rights organisations criticised the environment ahead of the vote, with Amnesty International pointing to a “wave of terror” that included enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings targeting opposition supporters.

Officials firmly dismissed such accusations, insisting the election would be free and fair.

Samia assumed the presidency in 2021 after the death of John Magufuli, making history as the country’s first woman to hold the office.

Although she initially eased restrictions that had characterised Magufuli’s tenure, observers say the space for dissent has gradually tightened once more, with arrests of critics and reports of abductions.

The electoral commission is expected to release official results within three days of the vote closing.