President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of Tanzania’s presidential election, securing another term in office amid widespread unrest and international concern.
The electoral commission announced on Saturday that Hassan, candidate of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, won 98% of the 32 million votes cast.
The result comes after days of clashes and an internet shutdown that has made reporting from the country difficult.
Recall Dockaysworld reported that opposition figures claimed around 700 people have been killed in post-election protests following Hassan’s re-election.
Authorities have sought to downplay the crisis, extending curfews and restricting media access, while foreign journalists remain barred.
Hospitals and clinics have reportedly refused to comment on casualty figures for fear of reprisal.
In Zanzibar, the semi-autonomous archipelago that elects its own leader, CCM candidate and incumbent president Hussein Mwinyi was declared winner with nearly 80% of the vote.
The opposition has rejected the results, citing “massive fraud” and intimidation.
President Hassan has yet to publicly address the unrest. The only official statement came from army chief Jacob Mkunda, who called the protesters “criminals.”
