Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – October 29, 2025 — Counting is underway in Tanzania’s general elections after a tense and turbulent voting day marred by violent protests, internet disruptions, and allegations of political repression.
The elections, widely seen as a pivotal test for President Samia Suluhu Hassan, have plunged the nation into a period of uncertainty. Police imposed an emergency curfew in Dar es Salaam, the country’s bustling commercial hub, following widespread demonstrations that erupted after opposition supporters accused the government of manipulating the vote.
Videos circulating on social media showed young protesters clashing with security forces, throwing rocks, and setting a petrol station ablaze. Witnesses reported heavy police deployment across major cities, with officers firing tear gas to disperse crowds. Several arrests were made, though authorities have yet to release official figures.
Curfew and Internet Disruptions
As tensions escalated, authorities ordered a nationwide internet slowdown, limiting access to social media platforms and messaging apps. Civil society organizations and election observers described the disruptions as deliberate attempts to suppress communication and control information flow.
“The internet went down shortly after videos of the protests began circulating,” said a journalist in Dar es Salaam, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “It became almost impossible to send updates or contact sources outside the country.”
By evening, most residents in the capital were indoors, adhering to the police-imposed curfew. Businesses shuttered early, and public transport was halted in several districts.
A Crucial Test for President Samia Suluhu Hassan
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania’s first female leader, is widely expected to tighten her grip on power after the polls. She rose to the presidency in 2021 following the death of her predecessor, John Pombe Magufuli, and this election marks her first major electoral test.
Her ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party — which has governed Tanzania since independence in 1961 — entered the race with significant institutional and financial advantages. However, the campaign season was overshadowed by accusations of intimidation, arrests, and exclusion of opposition figures.
Several candidates from the main opposition parties — CHADEMA and ACT-Wazalendo — were barred from contesting, prompting outrage among their supporters and human rights groups. Protesters accuse the government of systematically silencing dissent through abductions and threats targeting political critics, journalists, and activists.
“The government has turned elections into a performance, not a democratic process,” said a CHADEMA youth coordinator in Arusha. “People are scared, but they are also angry.”
Low Voter Turnout
Despite heavy security presence, polling stations across the country opened early on Wednesday. However, a spot check by local and international media revealed low voter turnout, particularly among younger voters — a demographic that had been expected to play a decisive role in this election.
At a polling center in Dodoma, election observers noted that fewer than half of registered voters had cast their ballots by midday. Many cited disillusionment and fear as reasons for staying home.
“I don’t believe my vote will count,” said a 25-year-old university student. “We want change, but the system is already decided.”
Allegations of Unfairness
Government officials, however, defended the integrity of the electoral process. In a statement issued by the National Electoral Commission, authorities said voting was conducted “peacefully and transparently,” dismissing claims of intimidation and irregularities.
“The elections were fair and credible,” the commission’s spokesperson stated. “Any reports of misconduct are being investigated in accordance with the law.”
But opposition figures have disputed that claim, alleging ballot tampering, vote buying, and interference by security agencies. Some polling agents from opposition parties were reportedly denied access to counting centers.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have expressed concern about what they describe as “a shrinking democratic space” under Hassan’s leadership.
Zanzibar and Parliamentary Elections
In addition to choosing a president, Tanzanians also voted for 400 members of parliament and for a president and local representatives in Zanzibar, the semi-autonomous island region with its own complex political history.
Zanzibar has long been a flashpoint for electoral tension. In past elections, allegations of rigging and violence have marred the process. This year, security was visibly heightened across polling stations on the island, with military patrols maintaining a strong presence throughout election day.
Residents reported that while voting was largely peaceful in the early hours, sporadic clashes broke out in some neighborhoods after the closure of polls.
Regional and International Observers
The African Union (AU) and the East African Community (EAC) deployed observation missions to monitor the elections. However, several international observer groups complained of restricted movement and limited access to polling and counting centers.
A preliminary statement from the EAC observer team said that while the voting process appeared “largely calm,” the broader political environment raised “serious concerns about inclusiveness and fairness.”
Western governments, including the United States and the European Union, have called on Tanzania to ensure transparency in vote counting and to respect citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
Results and Possible Outcomes
Preliminary results are expected within 24 hours, though the National Electoral Commission has up to seven days to announce the official outcome. President Hassan’s CCM is projected to win by a wide margin, given its dominance in state institutions and the absence of strong opposition candidates.
Still, analysts warn that any perception of fraud or manipulation could fuel further unrest in a country once hailed as one of East Africa’s most stable democracies.
“This election will shape Tanzania’s democratic trajectory for years to come,” said Dr. Elias Mrema, a political science lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam. “If the process lacks legitimacy, public trust in governance will erode further.”
The Road Ahead
As the nation awaits results, the atmosphere in major cities remains tense. Security forces continue to patrol the streets, and opposition leaders have urged supporters to remain calm but vigilant.
For many Tanzanians, the elections have rekindled old fears of political repression but also renewed calls for democratic reform. “We just want a fair voice in how our country is run,” said a shopkeeper in Dar es Salaam. “We are tired of being silenced.”
Whether President Hassan emerges stronger or faces heightened resistance, one thing is clear — Tanzania stands at a crossroads. The outcome of this election will not only determine its leadership but also signal the direction of democracy in one of Africa’s most strategically important nations.
