President Samia Suluhu Hassan Declared Winner Amid Unprecedented National Crisis

Tanzania’s electoral commission has officially announced President Samia Suluhu Hassan as the victor of the 2025 general election, reporting a landslide result of 97.66% of the vote. While the ruling CCM party views this as a mandate for continued economic expansion, the victory has been marred by what international observers and rights groups describe as the country’s most severe political and humanitarian crisis in decades.

The election took place under a nationwide internet blackout and a heavy security presence, with the main opposition party, CHADEMA, disqualified months prior and its leader, Tundu Lissu, remaining in custody on treason charges.

The post-election period has been defined by reports of widespread violence and state-led crackdowns. While the government officially dismisses reports of high fatalities as exaggerations, opposition groups and organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have documented a significant death toll beginning on October 29.

Casualty reports vary significantly, with the UN reporting at least 10 confirmed deaths while CHADEMA and regional rights groups claim the number reaches into the hundreds or even thousands. Investigative reports and verified footage appear to show security forces using live ammunition against unarmed protesters, and there are further allegations of police removing bodies from morgues to prevent accurate casualty counts.

Despite the international outcry, President Hassan has maintained that the election reflects the will of the people and has urged for national unity. However, the atmosphere remains tense as urban centers remain under curfew and international partners debate freezing development assistance. The opposition has signaled a refusal to accept the results, calling for a massive repudiation march on December 9 to demand the release of political prisoners and a return to constitutional order.