Tanzania Election Day Erupts in Violent Protests

Unrest and Police Response

Hundreds of protesters filled the streets of Dar es Salaam, chanting “We want our country back” as a police station along Nelson Mandela Road was set ablaze. Officers fired tear gas while some demonstrators threw stones, and tanks were deployed to deter further violence. Videos shared online showed young people blocking roads and confronting security forces as tension spread across key districts.

Opposition Crackdown and Election Climate

Major challengers to President Samia Suluhu Hassan were jailed or barred from running, including Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, whose disqualification was upheld after an appeal by the Attorney General. Polls opened early, with reports of low morning turnout and heavy security presence. The electoral commission said official results would be announced within three days.

Political Context and Key Figures

Tanzania counts 37.7 million registered voters, with youth forming the majority. Multiparty politics returned in 1992, but critics say recent restrictions mirror earlier repression. Hassan, who succeeded John Magufuli in 2021, initially eased controls before tightening them again. In April 2025, opposition leader Tundu Lissu was arrested on charges of treason and cybercrime, and his party was later disqualified.