Protests in Tanzania are still ongoing, entering a second day on Thursday as demonstrators flooded the streets to contest the country’s disputed election results. Amnesty International reported that two people have died since the protests began, deepening tensions across the nation.
The unrest began on Wednesday after the government enforced extensive restrictions, such as an internet blackout, curfew, and military deployment, to contain rising outrage over the election results.
The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, in power since independence in 1961, sought to maintain its dominance in an election marred by controversy. Two major opposition candidates were barred from contesting, leaving President Samia Suluhu Hassan to face 16 lesser-known challengers who mounted minimal campaigns.
READ ALSO: Military deployed and curfew imposed as Tanzanians protest on election day
By Thursday, the electoral commission announced through state television that President Hassan had taken a commanding early lead, securing 96.99 percent of the votes from the first eight of 272 constituencies counted.
European lawmakers swiftly condemned the process, declaring the polls “neither free nor fair” and urging international partners to defend democracy and human rights in Tanzania.
Violence intensified as protesters torched a bus and gas station, vandalized polling centers, and clashed with police. Amnesty International confirmed that a civilian and a police officer died during Wednesday’s confrontations, though the government has yet to comment on casualties.
A curfew was enforced in the commercial hub of Dar es Salaam, but AP reported that defiant crowds continued demonstrating late into the night. Authorities ordered public servants to work from home to reduce movement, while army roadblocks appeared nationwide. Motorists unable to prove essential-worker status were turned away.
READ ALSO: Tanzania hit with internet disruptions on election day
Protesters in some areas attempted to breach security barricades near the main airport but were stopped by soldiers. In the border town of Namanga, police fired tear gas as demonstrators lit bonfires along the highway, leaving several injured. Local traders said the unrest had brought commerce to a standstill.
Amnesty International urged an independent investigation into the use of force by security agencies. Meanwhile, ferry services between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar were suspended as the island’s electoral body prepared to release its own results.
Tanzanians went to the polls to elect a president, members of parliament, and local councilors. However, with main opposition leader Tundu Lissu still in prison on treason charges and another key candidate, Luhaga Mpina, disqualified from running, many voters say the outcome was predetermined long before ballots were cast.
READ ALSO: Rights abuses and political crackdown cast shadow over Tanzania’s election
