Tanzania’s internet remained blocked for a third consecutive day on Friday as fresh reports of post-election protests emerged and opposition parties rejected results from the semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, whose administration faces accusations of repression, sought to solidify her power through elections widely seen as uncompetitive. Most key opposition figures were either imprisoned or disqualified from contesting the vote.
Wednesday’s election quickly descended into chaos as hundreds of demonstrators in Dar es Salaam and other major cities tore down campaign posters, clashed with police, and attacked polling stations. The unrest prompted authorities to impose a nationwide curfew and restrict internet access.
With foreign journalists barred from covering the polls and communication networks largely shut down, reliable information from affected areas has been limited.
Witnesses in Sinza and Dodoma reported that protests continued late into Thursday, with demonstrators burning tyres in the streets. Although unverified reports suggest significant casualties, hospitals and clinics have declined to comment, citing fears of government retaliation.
Local news outlets have not been updated since Wednesday, and President Hassan has yet to issue a statement. The only official comment came from Army Chief Jacob Mkunda, who condemned the demonstrators as “criminals.”
Zanzibar Opposition Claims Vote Rigging
On Thursday, the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party was declared the winner of the local elections in Zanzibar, a popular tourist destination.
The opposition party ACT-Wazalendo swiftly rejected the outcome, claiming widespread fraud.
“They have robbed the people of Zanzibar of their voice,” the party said in a statement. “The only way to restore justice is through a fresh election.”
A senior ACT-Wazalendo official told AFP that ballot boxes had been stuffed, some voters were permitted to cast multiple ballots without identification, and opposition observers were expelled from counting centres.
At a gathering of opposition supporters on the island, residents expressed fear and frustration.
“There has never been a credible election since 1995,” said a 70-year-old man, referencing Tanzania’s first multiparty elections. Others declined to give their names, fearing reprisals.
“We are afraid to speak because they might come to our homes and arrest us,” one resident said.
Crackdown and Political Tensions
Analysts say President Hassan has faced internal resistance from segments of the military and loyalists of her late predecessor, John Magufuli, since assuming office in 2021.
Seeking to consolidate power, her government banned the main opposition party Chadema and charged its leader with treason. Human rights organizations have condemned what they describe as a “wave of terror,” citing abductions and intimidation of opposition members in the days leading up to the vote.
Much of the public anger has been directed at Hassan’s son, Abdul Halim Hafidh Ameir, who has been accused of overseeing parts of the security crackdown.
While ACT-Wazalendo was permitted to participate in Zanzibar’s local elections, its presidential candidate was barred from running against Hassan on the mainland.
Source: modernghana
Comments
Post a Comment