Overview
- The electoral commission declared President Samia Suluhu Hassan the winner with 97.66% of the vote and reported turnout near 87%, with state media indicating a swift swearing‑in on Saturday.
- Chadema claims roughly 700 people were killed in post‑vote clashes, the UN human rights office cites credible reports of at least 10 deaths, Amnesty references higher unverified figures, and the government rejects the tallies and denies excessive force.
- Authorities imposed a nationwide curfew and restricted internet access, and foreign media access was curtailed, making independent verification of events and casualties difficult.
- Protests erupted in multiple cities during and after Wednesday’s vote, with witnesses reporting police tear gas and gunfire and some buildings set ablaze as security forces moved to clear streets.
- The contest excluded major challengers after Chadema was disqualified and its leader Tundu Lissu faced treason charges, ACT‑Wazalendo’s candidate was barred, and international actors urged impartial investigations into alleged abuses.