Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared winner of the country’s presidential election with a commanding 97.66% of the vote, the electoral commission announced on state television Saturday.
The landslide victory comes after a tense poll marked by violence, mass arrests, and the exclusion of key opposition figures, sparking days of deadly protests across major cities.
A swift swearing-in ceremony is expected to hold today, authorities confirmed.
The main opposition party, Chadema, barred from participating in the election, alleges that hundreds have been killed since protests erupted on election day.
The government has dismissed claims of excessive force, even as the country remains under strict curfew and a nationwide internet blackout.
Hassan, who first assumed office in 2021 following the death of former President John Magufuli, has faced internal resistance from powerful political blocs and security figures loyal to her predecessor.
Analysts say the fierce contest and heavy crackdown reflect her bid to cement full control within the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.
International concern continues to rise. The UN says it is “deeply worried” about reports of casualties and restrictions on media and civil liberties, with journalists barred from covering events and major news outlets frozen since Wednesday.
Opposition sources claim security forces have intensified arrests overnight, while unverified reports suggest pockets of military defection in solidarity with protesters a claim the army swiftly denied, branding demonstrators “criminals.”
