Tanzania’s 2025 Election Raises Alarm: 98% Win, No Opposition, No Reform
Incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of Tanzania's disputed presidential election with nearly 98% of the vote. The October 29th poll was marred by the exclusion of main opposition candidates, a crackdown on dissent, violent protests, and a significant loss of life, raising alarms from international observers about the state of democracy in the East African nation.
A One-Sided Political Landscape
Tanzania’s ruling Party of the Revolution (Chama Cha Mapinduzi - CCM) has dominated the country’s politics since independence over 60 years ago. Incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who took office in 2021 after the death of her predecessor John Magufuli, was confirmed as the party's candidate in January 2025. Initially praised for reversing some of Magufuli's hardline policies, her administration has since been accused of returning to an authoritarian style of government, curbing freedom of expression, and orchestrating a crackdown on political opponents.
The election was widely seen as a coronation rather than a contest after Hassan’s two main rivals were barred from standing. Tundu Lissu, the charismatic leader of the main opposition party Chadema, has been jailed for months on treason charges after calling for electoral reforms. Luhaga Mpina of the ACT-Wazalendo party was also disqualified on technical grounds.
With credible opposition effectively removed, Hassan faced only 16 candidates from minor parties who barely campaigned, ensuring her a landslide victory. The final results gave her 97.66% of the vote, a figure that critics say mocks the democratic process.
An Environment of Repression
The campaign season was conducted under severe restrictions. Human rights groups reported a pattern of enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and intimidation targeting critics, journalists, and opposition figures. State authorities allegedly attacked dissenting voices, while state-controlled media provided near-constant pro-CCM coverage. In the week before the vote, access to "X" (formerly Twitter) was effectively banned, and a nationwide internet blackout was imposed on election day, making it difficult to verify information.
Election Day Descends into Chaos
Election day triggered widespread unrest in major cities like Dar es Salaam and Mwanza. Hundreds of young protesters, angered by the lack of fair competition, took to the streets. Demonstrators tore down campaign posters, set fire to government buildings, buses, and police posts. Security forces responded with tear gas and live ammunition. The government deployed the military to quell the riots and imposed a nationwide curfew for three consecutive nights.
Reports on the death toll vary significantly amid the internet shutdown and official silence. The opposition party Chadema claimed that "around 700" people had been killed by security forces, a figure based on checks at hospitals and morgues. A diplomatic source told the BBC that there was credible evidence of at least 500 deaths.
The United Nations stated it had received credible reports of at least 10 fatalities. In contrast, Tanzania's Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo denied that "excessive force" had been used, dismissed the opposition's figures as "hugely exaggerated," and stated the government had "no official figures" on protester deaths.
A Divided International Response
Western observers voiced sharp criticism. A statement from European Parliament members called the election "neither free nor fair." The U.S., U.K., Canada, and Norway expressed deep concern over the reports of violence and fatalities, urging authorities to investigate and exercise restraint. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated he was "deeply concerned" and called for an impartial investigation into the use of force.
In contrast, major developing powers maintained a low profile. China and Russia, which have significant economic interests in Tanzania's infrastructure and mining sectors, stuck to their policy of non-interference. African neighbors and regional bodies like the African Union (AU) and SADC have also avoided direct criticism, focusing on observing procedures rather than questioning the outcome's legitimacy.
Implications for Tanzania's Future
In the short term, Hassan's victory ensures policy continuity. Major infrastructure projects, many backed by Chinese and Russian investment, are expected to proceed, and the economy is likely to maintain moderate growth. However, by sidelining credible opposition and suppressing dissent, the government sacrifices long-term political accountability.
The low turnout in urban areas, especially among youth, and the violent aftermath suggest a deep loss of faith in the political system. Analysts warn that while the coerced victory cements CCM's rule for now, it risks eroding public trust and fueling future crises. Unless the political space reopens, Tanzania may trade short-term order for long-term disillusionment.
David (Solar Sales)