Published: October 30, 2025 | By Biiso FM News Desk
Hundreds of protesters have taken to the streets across Tanzania for a second straight day, following Wednesday’s disputed general elections.
Rights group Amnesty International has confirmed that two people — a civilian and a police officer — have died in the unrest.
Mounting anger after disputed vote
The protests erupted shortly after the National Electoral Commission announced early results showing President Samia Suluhu Hassan with a commanding 96.99 percent lead from eight of 272 constituencies tallied by Thursday morning.
The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, in power since independence in 1961, is seeking to extend its long-standing dominance. However, the vote has been marred by controversy, with presidential candidates from the two major opposition parties barred from contesting.
Main opposition leader Tundu Lissu remains imprisoned on treason charges after calling for electoral reforms, while Luhaga Mpina, another opposition figure, was disqualified before polling day.
“This election does not represent the will of Tanzanians,” said one protester in Arusha, speaking anonymously for fear of arrest. “We want democracy, not intimidation.”
Government clamps down
Authorities have moved swiftly to quell the unrest.
The government shut down internet access, imposed an overnight curfew, and deployed the military to major cities including Dar es Salaam, where most demonstrations have been concentrated.
Public servants were ordered to work from home on Thursday to minimize movement, while soldiers and police mounted roadblocks on major highways — turning away anyone unable to prove they were essential workers.
Ferry services between mainland Tanzania and the semi-autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar were also suspended amid fears of escalating violence.
Clashes reported in multiple towns
In Arusha, protesters burned tyres and attempted to march toward government offices, while in Namanga, near the Kenya-Tanzania border, crowds lit bonfires on the highway. Police responded with tear gas and live ammunition, injuring several demonstrators.
Local business owners say operations have come to a standstill.
“No trucks are crossing into Kenya today,” said a Namanga trader interviewed by Biiso FM. “Shops are closed, and everyone is staying indoors.”
International concern grows
Lawmakers from the European Parliament released a statement Thursday declaring the Tanzanian elections “neither free nor fair.”
They urged international partners to “stand firm in defense of democracy and human rights.”
Amnesty International has called for immediate investigations into reports of excessive use of force by police and the army.
Despite the curfew, videos shared before the internet shutdown showed hundreds of demonstrators marching through city streets chanting “Haki!” — Swahili for “Justice.”
Uncertain path ahead
Analysts warn that the government’s heavy-handed response could deepen public frustration rather than restore calm.
With the opposition leadership silenced and the ruling party consolidating power, political observers say the next few days will be critical for Tanzania’s stability.
“This is a test of Tanzania’s democratic resilience,” said a regional analyst based in Nairobi. “The world is watching how President Hassan’s government handles dissent.”
