Tanzania descends into deepening political crisis following disputed presidential and parliamentary elections, raising serious concerns about the nation’s democratic trajectory. The main opposition party has formally rejected the declared victory of incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan, citing widespread irregularities and alleging electoral fraud. The electoral commission previously announced a landslide victory for Hassan, reporting she secured nearly 98% of the vote on Wednesday, a result widely questioned by domestic and international observers.
The context surrounding the election is riddled with troubling developments. Prior to the vote, two prominent contenders challenging Hassan’s leadership were excluded from the ballot. One candidate was arrested on charges of treason following demands for electoral reform during protests, signaling a deliberate stifling of dissent. Numerous reports surfaced alleging kidnappings, torture and arrests of government critics in the period leading up to the election, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.
Following the declaration of the results, protests have erupted across Tanzania, accompanied by reports of multiple fatalities, escalating tensions and triggering international condemnation. The European Union’s Foreign Policy Chief, Kaja Kallas, expressed profound concern over the unfolding events. In a statement released Sunday, Kallas highlighted “violence, internet shutdowns and reports of irregularities” during the election process. She emphasized the alarming reports of casualties and injuries, calling for “utmost restraint” from Tanzanian authorities to protect human life.
Kallas further underscored the “unequal playing field” that characterized the lead-up to the elections, a pointed critique of the measures taken to marginalize opposition figures. The EU is now formally demanding the release of all detained politicians, insisting on a transparent and fair legal process for those arrested, grounded in due legal procedure. A prompt and thorough investigation into the alleged abductions, disappearances and acts of violence is also being demanded. The situation casts a long shadow over Tanzania’s commitment to democratic principles and requires immediate and decisive action to de-escalate tensions and ensure accountability.
