President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania has been sworn in for a second term, but the event is overshadowed by allegations of election irregularities and widespread unrest. The inauguration, held at a military parade ground in Dodoma, was notably closed to the public, a departure from previous ceremonies.
Opposition Claims of a Sham Election
The opposition has vehemently rejected the election results, claiming they were a "sham" marred by violence and restrictions. Key opposition figures were either imprisoned or barred from running, leaving President Samia with minimal competition. The electoral commission declared her the winner with an overwhelming 98% of the vote, a figure that has raised eyebrows among international observers.
Deogratias Munishi, spokesman for the largest opposition party Chadema, stated from Kenya that the elections were illegitimate and that security forces have launched a deadly crackdown on protesters. He alleges that over 1,000 people have been killed, a claim that is difficult to verify due to a nationwide internet shutdown that severely restricted access to information.
Concerns Over Transparency and Violence
International observers have expressed serious concerns about the transparency of the election and the subsequent violence. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) issued a statement highlighting restrictions on the opposition and suspected ballot stuffing, suggesting that voters were unable to freely express their democratic will.
The U.S. State Department has also issued an increased travel advisory for Tanzania, citing unrest, crime, terrorism, and the targeting of gay and lesbian individuals. The advisory warns of unpredictable demonstrations and an increased security presence around protests.
Impact on Tourism
The unrest and violence could significantly impact Tanzania's tourism sector, which is a vital part of the country's economy. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park, popular tourist destinations, may see a decline in visitors due to safety concerns.
Despite the controversy, President Samia thanked the electoral commission for their "unquestionable efficiency" in running the elections. She also expressed sadness over the violence, describing it as a blot on Tanzania's image.