Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the country’s first female head of state, has been declared the winner of this week’s presidential election — securing 98% of the votes, according to the national electoral commission.
In her victory speech on Saturday, the 65-year-old leader described the poll as “free and democratic” and praised the country’s security forces for maintaining order. However, opposition parties have strongly rejected the results, calling the vote a “mockery of democracy” after several of their key candidates were either imprisoned or barred from running.
International observers and human rights groups have raised concerns about transparency and violence during the electoral process, with reports suggesting that hundreds may have died in clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
Authorities have extended a nationwide curfew as protests continue in major cities including Dar es Salaam. Young people have been at the forefront of demonstrations, accusing the government of undermining democratic freedoms.
The UN, the UK, Canada, and Norway have all voiced concern about the situation, urging restraint and the protection of human rights.
In Zanzibar, which runs its own semi-autonomous government, the ruling CCM party’s Hussein Mwinyi also secured another term with nearly 80% of the vote, a result the opposition there has likewise disputed.
President Samia, who assumed power in 2021 after the passing of President John Magufuli, now faces a challenging second term — balancing her historic role as Tanzania’s first female president with mounting public frustration over governance, civic freedoms, and political inclusion.
For many across Africa, Samia’s leadership remains a powerful symbol of women’s presence at the highest levels of power — yet her government’s next steps will determine whether that legacy is remembered for progress or repression.
