Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan has secured another term in office, winning the recent presidential election with a reported 98% of the vote. However, her victory has been marred by widespread unrest and accusations of a flawed democratic process.
Opposition parties have vehemently rejected the results, alleging that the election was a 'mockery' due to the imprisonment or disqualification of key challengers. International observers have also raised serious concerns about the lack of transparency and the violence that has reportedly claimed hundreds of lives.
The government has downplayed the scale of the violence and imposed curfews in an attempt to quell the unrest. Access to the internet has also been restricted, making it difficult to verify the true extent of the casualties and the nature of the protests.
Opposition Claims & International Concerns
A spokesperson for Chadema, a major opposition party barred from participating, condemned the election as undemocratic and called for intervention from a credible body to oversee a fresh election. They allege that approximately 700 people have been killed during the protests. NetBlocks, an internet connectivity watchdog, confirmed restrictions on social media and mobile internet access.
President Hassan's Response
In her victory speech, President Hassan defended the election as 'free and democratic' and criticised the protesters as 'unpatriotic'. She praised the security forces for maintaining order and condemned the violence. She stated that the government will use all available security measures to ensure the safety of the country.
Critics have accused President Hassan of authoritarianism, pointing to the arrest and blocking of opposition figures. Some have even labelled her a 'tyrant in a hijab', alleging that she is using autocratic means to cling to power. The situation remains tense, with the potential for further unrest and political instability.
- Opposition parties reject the election results.
- International observers express concern over transparency.
- Hundreds reportedly killed in unrest.
- Internet access restricted.
- President Hassan defends the election as democratic.