Dar es Salaam – Tanzania’s main opposition party CHADEMA has rejected President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s re-election, claiming the vote was rigged and sparking violent protests across the country.
The party, whose leader Tundu Lissu was arrested for treason in April and barred from the election for refusing to sign a code of conduct, called the results “completely fabricated” on its social media account. CHADEMA said citizens nationwide did not participate in a genuine election and demonstrations reflected widespread rejection of the declared outcome.
Witnesses reported that protesters tore down banners of Hassan and set fire to government buildings during Wednesday’s vote, while police responded with tear gas and gunfire. The opposition claims hundreds were killed, though the U.N. human rights office has confirmed at least 10 deaths in three cities. The government dismissed the higher figures as exaggerated and defended its human rights record.
President Hassan, speaking from Dodoma after her victory was certified, said protesters’ actions were “neither responsible nor patriotic” and vowed to use all security measures to protect the country. Authorities have imposed a nationwide curfew and restricted internet access.
The unrest has disrupted international flights and operations at Dar es Salaam’s port, a critical hub for fuel imports and regional metal exports.
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