Overview
- Local NGOs led by the Legal and Human Rights Centre reported excessive force against unarmed civilians, including reprisal killings in homes, mass arrests and detentions without bail, with youths singled out.
- The African Union’s observer mission concluded the Oct. 29 vote did not comply with AU principles, citing ballot stuffing, politically motivated abductions, excessive force and a government-imposed internet shutdown.
- SADC said voters could not freely express their will, while the EU and European Parliament criticized the process, which included censorship, intimidation and restrictions on monitors.
- The electoral commission certified President Samia Suluhu Hassan with roughly 97–98% after key rivals were barred or disqualified and CHADEMA boycotted, as observers documented procedural breaches at polling stations.
- Protests were met by a heavy security response and no official toll has been released, with opposition figures alleging hundreds of deaths or more; Hassan defended the vote as free as authorities blamed foreign instigators, while observers urged independent investigations and reforms.