After a Difficult Day of Voting and Protests, Tanzanian Counting Begins

Vote counting began in Tanzania on Wednesday following a tense election day marked by violent protests and unrest. Authorities imposed a nighttime curfew in Dar es Salaam, the country’s commercial hub, after demonstrators clashed with police. Internet access was widely disrupted across the nation as videos circulated online showing young protesters throwing stones at security forces and a petrol station engulfed in flames.

Incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan is largely expected to tighten her hold on power in this election  her first presidential contest since taking office in 2021 following the death of former leader John Magufuli. Her administration has faced criticism for stifling opposition voices ahead of the vote, with leading candidates from the CHADEMA and ACT-Wazalendo parties disqualified from running.

Hassan’s ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party has led Tanzania since independence in 1961. However, this year’s election was overshadowed by allegations of abductions and intimidation of government critics, which have fueled public anger and low voter turnout, particularly among the youth.

Government officials maintain that the elections were fair and transparent, rejecting claims of human rights abuses. Alongside the presidential race, Tanzanians also cast their ballots to elect members of the 400-seat parliament and leaders for the semi-autonomous Zanzibar region.

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