Tanzania’s presidential election slid into turmoil on Wednesday as protests broke out and security forces moved to control the situation.
Demonstrations erupted across several cities over claims that the government was hara§§ing opposition leaders and limiting fair competition for President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s bid for a second term.
According to reports, the U.S. Embassy issued a security alert warning of “country-wide” protests.
In Dar es Salaam, a 6 p.m. curfew was announced after protesters in neighborhoods such as Kimara and Ubungo set a bus and a gas station on fire. Local media also reported unrest in Magomeni, Kinondoni, and Tandale, while polling stations were vandalized in parts of Arusha and Mbeya.
The military was seen deployed in Dodoma and Zanzibar, including areas near media offices. Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila warned that authorities were prepared to deal with anyone “disrupting peace.”
Internet watchdog group Netblocks confirmed a nationwide internet disruption as the unrest spread.
Human rights groups say the election climate has been tense. Amnesty International reported cases of enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial killings before the vote.
Key opposition figure Tundu Lissu of the CHADEMA party remains in prison facing treason charges, while another major opposition candidate was barred from contesting.
Early election turnout appeared low, particularly among young voters. “It feels like a one-horse race,” university student James Matonya told the Associated Press.
President Hassan is seeking her first full elected term after succeeding John Magufuli, who d+ed in 2021. Sixteen smaller opposition candidates also appeared on the ballot.
Preliminary results were expected within 24 hours, though the electoral commission has up to seven days to declare final results. So far, neither Hassan nor the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party has issued a statement.
