Tanzania’s Hassan Wins 98% Amid Deadly Election Unrest

The electoral commission said Hassan took 97.66–98 percent after key rivals were jailed or excluded.

Authorities extended curfews as protests flared in major cities and online access was cut.

Election Commission Announces Landslide

State television carried final results on Saturday, with officials saying Hassan won 97.66 percent and “dominated every constituency.”

The commission also cited approximately 32 million ballots cast on October 29. A quick swearing-in was slated the same day, officials said.

Curfew, Blackout, and Death Toll Disputes

Protests erupted in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and other cities as posters were torn down and police units and polling sites attacked. A Chadema spokesperson said “around 700” people were killed; a diplomat and a security source separately said deaths were “in the hundreds.”

The foreign minister said the government had “no figures” and that “no excessive force has been used,” while an internet shutdown and nationwide curfew hindered verification.

Opposition Barred; Zanzibar Results

Authorities jailed Tundu Lissu of Chadema on treason charges he denies, while another major contender, Luhaga Mpina (ACT-Wazalendo), was excluded on legal grounds.

Sixteen fringe parties were allowed to stand. In semi-autonomous Zanzibar, incumbent Hussein Mwinyi (CCM) won nearly 80 percent, opposition groups alleging “massive fraud.”

Army Signals Its Position

The army chief warned protesters to end the unrest and labeled rioters “criminals,” after unconfirmed reports suggested some troops had sided with crowds in parts of the country.

The presidency has not issued a detailed public statement beyond the results; rights groups, meanwhile, described a pre-election “wave of terror,” including abductions in the final days.

Hassan first assumed office in 2021 following the death of President John Magufuli.