Tanzania's Hassan declared winner in disputed vote | DW News

Key Concepts

• Disputed Election: An election where the results are contested due to irregularities, lack of transparency, or exclusion of key participants.
• Internet Blackout/Information Blackout: Deliberate disruption of internet access and communication channels to control information flow.
• Curfew: An order restricting people from being out of their homes during specific hours.
• Semi-autonomous Region: A region within a country that has a degree of self-governance.
• Skirmishes: Minor fights or conflicts.

Election Results and Validity Concerns

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of the country's election with an overwhelming majority of over 97% of the vote. However, this significant margin of victory has amplified existing concerns regarding the election's validity. The election, held on October 29th, was marked by widespread protests and violence. Key opposition figures were reportedly barred from participating, and while some reports suggest hundreds of casualties, confirmed numbers remain elusive due to an ongoing internet blackout in Tanzania.

Situation on the Ground

DW East Africa correspondent Cella Ono reports a tense atmosphere in Tanzania following the election results announcement. Many citizens have been advised to remain indoors, and there have been reports of gunfire in Dar es Salaam. While election results were broadcast on national television, many residents are experiencing power outages and lack of internet access, further isolating them and hindering their ability to monitor the unfolding situation. The opposition is expected to reject the results, particularly as the main opposition party did not participate in the election. In Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous region with its own electoral system, the Zanzibari president has already been sworn in.

Escalation of Protests and Violence

The situation remains volatile, with the potential for renewed street protests. Monitoring the extent of escalation is challenging due to the information and media blackout. Journalists are also reportedly confined to their residences. There is a critical need for clarity on the number of injured and deceased. While the UN has confirmed 10 deaths from credible sources, human rights groups and the opposition claim the numbers are in the hundreds.

Government Response

The Tanzanian government has maintained a low profile regarding the crisis. The chief of the armed forces has urged citizens to stay indoors, and a curfew has been implemented in Dar es Salaam since election day. The foreign minister acknowledged "a few skirmishes" in statements to international media but denied knowledge of any deaths, indicating a strategy of downplaying the severity of the situation.

Regional Concerns

Neighboring countries, particularly Kenya, are expressing significant concern over the events in Tanzania. Kenya has experienced its own anti-government protests, making them particularly attuned to the situation. The closure of borders to Tanzania has impacted cross-border trade, with traders reportedly stranded for three days. Kenyan human rights groups are collaborating with sources on the ground to verify casualty figures. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has also voiced alarm regarding the violence.

Synthesis and Conclusion

The Tanzanian election has concluded with a declared landslide victory for President Samia Suluhu Hassan, but this outcome is overshadowed by serious concerns about the election's legitimacy. The exclusion of major opposition parties, widespread protests, violence, and an information blackout have created a climate of tension and uncertainty. The government's quiet response and the regional anxieties highlight the gravity of the situation, with the true extent of casualties and the potential for further escalation remaining unclear. The international community, including the UN and neighboring countries, is closely monitoring developments and calling for transparency and accountability.