Tanzania opposition rejects election results as ‘open coup,’ refuses to recognize president

• Main opposition party CHADEMA says results are ‘an open coup against the will of Tanzanians who have been denied their democratic right to choose the leader they want’
• President Samia Suluhu Hassan says landslide victory shows voters give ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party mandate to deliver on its promises

ISTANBUL

Tanzania’s main opposition party CHADEMA on Saturday rejected the results of the national election, calling the vote an “open coup” and refusing to recognize President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s rule.

“The announcement of results is an open coup against the will of Tanzanians who have been denied their democratic right to choose the leader they want,” the party said in a statement on the US social media company X.

The electoral commission declared Hassan the winner of Thursday’s election with 97.66% of the vote, securing more than 31.9 million of the 32.7 million ballots cast. The result extends her presidency for a second term.

CHADEMA was barred from participating in the election in April after missing the deadline to sign the electoral code of conduct. Its chairman, Tundu Lissu, was jailed the same month on treason charges he denies after leading a “no reforms, no election” campaign.

“These results have no validity whatsoever, because the truth is that no election took place in Tanzania. Citizens did not participate in the October 29 election due to the absence of free and fair conditions and the lack of a level political playing field,” the party said.

Hassan said her landslide win reflected the people’s mandate for the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party to deliver on its promises, according to local media.

Congratulating her rivals for “conducting campaigns with civility,” she urged Tanzanians to unite and praised the electoral commission for what she called a “free, open, and fair” vote, The Citizen daily reported.

The polls were marred by reports of violence, opposition boycotts, and widespread internet disruptions.

The UN Human Rights Office said at least 10 people were killed in clashes between security forces and protesters after the results were announced, while CHADEMA claimed the toll was far higher.

Party spokesperson John Kitoka told reporters more than 700 people had been killed since the election period began, accusing authorities of targeting opposition supporters.

Hassan described protests in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza, and Songwe as “neither civil nor patriotic.”

CHADEMA said the nationwide demonstrations were “clear proof that citizens did not participate in what is being called an election and that they do not accept anyone emerging from this flawed electoral process.”

According to the electoral commission, voter turnout was nearly 87%.

The party urged the international community not to recognize Hassan’s presidency, saying “she lacks legitimacy because she has not been elected by the citizens of Tanzania.”

This was Tanzania’s first full national poll under Hassan, 65, who assumed office in 2021 following the death of President John Magufuli.

She has pledged unity and economic stability in her second term, but the scale of her victory and the reported crackdown on dissent have drawn criticism from domestic and international observers who warn of shrinking democratic space in the East African nation.

The African Union and East African Community have called for calm and respect for human rights, urging authorities to ensure transparency and accountability in handling post-election unrest.