(MENAFN) Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been officially declared the winner of the country’s general election, securing more than 97% of the vote, reports indicate. The victory grants her the first full five-year term as an elected president, after initially assuming office in March 2021 following the death of former President John Magufuli.

According to the electoral commission, nearly 87% of the 37.6 million registered voters participated in Wednesday’s election, with Hassan receiving over 31.9 million votes, accounting for 97.66% of the total.

The vote, however, sparked widespread unrest across several regions. Protesters reportedly tore down campaign posters featuring Hassan, set government buildings on fire, and clashed with security forces. Police used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse crowds. Road closures, including to the international airport, were reported, and a nationwide curfew was imposed starting at 6pm local time. Internet services also faced significant disruptions.

The demonstrations followed the disqualification of key opposition candidates, including Tundu Lissu of the Chadema party, who has been detained for months on treason charges and had advocated for electoral reforms. Another candidate, Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, was also barred from participating.

Chadema issued a statement rejecting the election results, calling them “so-called” and illegitimate. While official figures on casualties have not been released, credible reports suggest that at least ten people were killed in cities including Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga, and Morogoro, according to the UN human rights office.

MENAFN03112025000045017640ID1110286286