Tanzania’s President Samia Hassan Secures Overwhelming Victory Following Election Unrest
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| Samia Suluhu Hassan |
Tanzania’s incumbent president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has officially been declared the winner of the country’s highly contested general election, securing an overwhelming 97% of the total votes, according to results released by the Tanzania Electoral Commission. The announcement comes just days after violent demonstrations and unrest erupted in several parts of the country, following allegations of vote rigging and irregularities during the polling process.
The decisive victory grants President Hassan, who first assumed office in 2021 after the death of her predecessor, John Pombe Magufuli, another five-year mandate to lead the East African nation of approximately 68 million citizens. Her triumph solidifies the dominance of the long-ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which has been in power since Tanzania’s independence.
Throughout the election period, tensions ran high as opposition groups accused the ruling party of suppressing dissent, manipulating voter rolls, and restricting media coverage. The opposition, led by several charismatic and outspoken candidates, had vowed to challenge the CCM’s long-standing rule and usher in a new era of political reforms and inclusive governance. However, their efforts were met with widespread crackdowns and disruptions during campaign rallies.
In her post-election address, President Hassan called for unity and reconciliation, urging Tanzanians to put political divisions aside and focus on national development. “This victory belongs to all citizens of Tanzania. It is now time to rebuild together and strengthen our democracy through peace and cooperation,” she said.
Political analysts suggest that while the election outcome reinforces the CCM’s authority, it also exposes the deep political divides and growing demand for democratic reforms within the country. Many have called on the government to engage the opposition and civil society in meaningful dialogue to restore public trust and stability.
Despite the controversy, Hassan’s win positions her as one of the few female heads of state in Africa with a renewed opportunity to shape Tanzania’s political and economic future, balancing her legacy between continuity of the CCM’s policies and the pressing calls for democratic transformation.
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