Tanzania’s main opposition party, CHADEMA, has rejected President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s landslide victory in the recent elections, citing that the results were “completely fabricated” and that no genuine election took place in the country.
The party, which was barred from the election for refusing to sign a code of conduct, claimed that hundreds of people were killed in the protests that erupted over the exclusion of key opposition challengers.
The United Nations human rights office reported at least 10 deaths in three cities.
The opposition party stated that the countrywide demonstrations were clear proof that citizens did not participate in the flawed electoral process and reject anyone emerging from it.
President Hassan, who won 97.66% of the votes, dismissed the opposition’s claims, saying the protesters’ actions were “neither responsible nor patriotic.” She emphasized that the security of Tanzania is paramount and that all available security measures would be used to ensure the country’s safety.
The government has imposed a nationwide curfew and restricted internet access amid the unrest.
The situation remains tense, with many international flights cancelled and operations disrupted at Dar es Salaam’s port.
