Tanzania in Crisis: Opposition Rejects Election Result Following Deadly Crackdown
The main opposition party in Tanzania, CHADEMA, has rejected President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s election victory, describing it as entirely fabricated. The party argued that the results do not reflect the will of the people and cited continuing protests as evidence of public discontent.
“The results were completely fabricated,” CHADEMA stated.
Election Dispute and Arrests
CHADEMA said it could not officially join the elections because it had not signed the required code of conduct. The party also condemned the April arrest of its leader, Tundu Lissu, on charges of treason. According to CHADEMA, these actions rendered the electoral process meaningless.
Violence and Human Rights Concerns
Nationwide protests broke out after the election results were announced. Some demonstrators damaged government property, leading police to respond with tear gas and live ammunition. CHADEMA reported hundreds of casualties, while the UN human rights office confirmed at least ten deaths in three cities.
The opposition blamed the violence on the exclusion of major challengers and alleged mass detentions of its members. The government dismissed the opposition's claims of high casualty numbers, describing them as exaggerated and reaffirmed its commitment to human rights.
Official Response
Following her declared victory, President Hassan criticized the protests as reckless and called for peace and national security, emphasizing the importance of stability in Tanzania.
Author’s Summary
CHADEMA’s rejection of Tanzania’s election results has deepened political tensions, as the government defends its stance amid violent protests and global human rights concerns.