Tanzania descends into political crisis following highly contested elections, sparking international concern and allegations of widespread irregularities. President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured a landslide victory, reportedly receiving nearly 98% of the vote announced by the electoral commission on Wednesday, but the outcome is being fiercely challenged by the leading opposition party. The party has declared its refusal to acknowledge the results, citing credible accusations of electoral fraud.
The election process itself was marred by a severe lack of equitable conditions, a situation noted with alarm by the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas. Prior to the vote, Tanzanian authorities engaged in a pattern of suppressing dissent. One prominent opposition candidate was arrested on charges of treason following calls for electoral reform and protests. Reports suggest a broader campaign of intimidation targeting critics of the government, including abductions, torture and arbitrary arrests.
Following the announcement of Hassan’s victory, demonstrations have erupted across Tanzania, accompanied by reports of violence and fatalities, raising the specter of escalated instability. The government’s apparent shutting down of internet access during and following the election further exacerbates the situation, hindering independent verification of events and limiting avenues for dissent.
Kallas emphasized the EU’s profound concern regarding the violence, the deliberate disruption of communication networks and the documented irregularities occurring at numerous polling stations. The heavy-handed response by security forces and the high number of casualties necessitate an immediate and impartial investigation.
The EU’s call for “utmost restraint” from Tanzanian authorities reflects a deeper anxiety about the erosion of democratic norms and a concerted effort to stifle opposition. Kallas explicitly demanded the unconditional release of detained political figures, a commitment to fair legal proceedings underpinned by due process and a swift investigation into the documented incidents of abduction, unlawful detention and violence, signaling a potential strain in the EU’s relationship with Tanzania. The unfolding crisis risks not only undermining Tanzania’s stability but also damaging its international standing.