Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has secured a sweeping election victory, official results announced on Saturday revealed, following a controversial vote marred by the jailing and disqualification of major opposition figures and days of violent protests.
According to the national electoral commission, Hassan won 97.66 percent of the vote, dominating every constituency across the country.
State television reported that a swift swearing-in ceremony would take place later on Saturday.
The main opposition party, Chadema, alleged that hundreds of people were killed by security forces after nationwide protests erupted on election day on Wednesday.
Hassan, who became president in 2021 following the sudden death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, has reportedly faced resistance from factions within the military and loyalists of the former leader. Analysts say the emphatic victory was aimed at consolidating her authority amid internal power struggles.
Human rights organisations have accused her administration of orchestrating a “wave of terror” ahead of the polls, citing a pattern of abductions and escalating repression in the days leading up to the vote.
Chadema was barred from participating altogether, and its party leader is currently on trial for treason.
Despite a heavy security deployment, election day descended into turmoil as demonstrators tore down campaign posters, clashed with police, and attacked polling stations.
The unrest prompted an internet shutdown and the imposition of a nationwide curfew.
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