Tanzania Elections 2025: Landslide Victory, Fiery Protests, and a Democracy in Crisis

[Omoseye Alebiosu]

Tanzania Elections 2025: Landslide Victory, Fiery Protests, and a Democracy in Crisis
Tanzania Elections 2025: Landslide Victory, Fiery Protests, and a Democracy in Crisis
Tanzania’s general election held on October 29, 2025, erupted into nationwide controversy as incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner with over 97 percent of the vote. The result, announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, came amid violent protests, internet blackouts, and the exclusion of major opposition parties. What was meant to be a routine democratic exercise has instead exposed deep fractures in Tanzanian society and raised urgent questions about the future of governance in East Africa.

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The Election at a Glance
General elections were held in Tanzania on October 29, 2025, to choose the President, members of the National Assembly, and local councilors. Over 37.6 million voters were registered to vote. According to official final tallies, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) won decisively, securing 97.66 percent of the vote, with her nearest opponents gaining only marginal fractions. This overwhelming margin came as many of her strongest challengers were either disqualified or jailed. (Wikipedia)
However, the election was far from smooth. In the days leading up to polling, opposition figures were arrested or barred from contention, civic space was restricted, and dissent was monitored and suppressed. Many had warned that the process would lack credibility long before voting began. (Al Jazeera)

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Opposition Silenced, Protests Erupt
In the run-up to the elections, major parties like Chadema and ACT-Wazalendo were effectively sidelined. Chadema was disqualified for failing to sign a code of conduct, while its leader, Tundu Lissu, faced treason charges and remained detained. Luhaga Mpina from ACT-Wazalendo was also barred on procedural grounds. (chathamhouse.org)
When polls opened, protests broke out almost immediately, especially in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza, and other urban centers. Citizens mobilized against what they called a “sham election.” Live videos showed tear gas, burning tires, crowds clashing with security forces, and attempts to block streets. Authorities responded with curfews, deployment of military units, and shut down internet access in key regions. (Wikipedia)
According to opposition sources, more than 700 people may have been killed nationwide. The United Nations confirmed at least 10 deaths, but the discrepancy only fueled further outrage and calls for independent investigation. (Le Monde.fr)

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Anatomy of the Vote: Tactics, Media & Digital Warfare
Digital and media space had become a central battleground leading into election day. Social media platforms were heavily monitored, and several were intermittently shut down or throttled. Supporters of the ruling party flooded online spaces with campaign messages, while dissenting voices were suppressed or censored. (Al Jazeera)
State-run media and CCM-aligned outlets dominated airtime and coverage, with limited space for varied political opinion. Independent media faced regulatory pressures and threats of closure. (chathamhouse.org)
Election observers and analysts pointed out that many of the reforms ostensibly introduced to strengthen transparency were superficial. The electoral commission remained under strong influence from parties with ties to the ruling apparatus. (chathamhouse.org)

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Aftermath: Tight Grip, Rising Tensions
Once the results were announced, Hassan’s victory was met with mixed reactions. Internally, CCM hailed it as a reaffirmation of their mandate, while critics denounced it as the least competitive election in Tanzania’s post-independence history. (The Guardian)
Protests persisted for days. In response, the government maintained a heavy security presence, upheld curfews, and took measures to prevent escalation. Some universities and institutions postponed reopening due to unrest. Cross-border tensions also flared, including disturbances in Kenya’s Namanga border town linked to spillover from protests. (Wikipedia)
International human rights bodies, including Amnesty International and the UN, called for restraint, released statements condemning abuses, and demanded transparent investigations. (The Guardian)

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What This Means for Tanzania and the Region
A landslide victory of such scale without real opposition raises alarm about democratic backsliding. Many saw this vote not as a reaffirmation of governance but as consolidation of power through coercion. (chathamhouse.org)
Economically, uncertainty looms. Investors may hesitate amid civil unrest and global condemnation. Tanzania’s reputation as a stable destination may erode. (chathamhouse.org)
Politically, the outcome could set a precedent across the region: leaders who retain control through repression rather than open contestation. Civil society and opposition may face harsher constraints in years ahead. 
However, public dissent and youth activism may not be easily suppressed. The protests reflect a growing impatience with one-party dominance, and the demand for accountability may find new outlets despite heavy surveillance.

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• The Guardian
  
• AP News
  
• Le Monde.fr