(3 Minutes Read)
The outcome delivers her a first elected term after she initially ascended to the presidency in 2021 following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been re-elected with a staggering 97.6% of the vote, following a contentious election marked by the absence of major opposition candidates. The electoral commission announced this on Saturday in an election, which witnessed lower voter turnout, and days of violent protests. Her main rivals were disqualified or imprisoned months earlier.
The outcome delivers her a first elected term after she initially ascended to the presidency in 2021 following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli.
International observers noted an extremely low voter turnout, with reports of largely empty ballot boxes. The credibility of the process was further undermined when demonstrators, in acts of defiance, were filmed stealing ballot boxes and scattering ballots.
The election took place without the participation of the country’s two main opposition parties, whose leaders were barred from the race. The unrest has prompted several embassies to advise their staff to avoid non-essential travel, reflecting international concern over the stability of a country initially hopeful for a more open political era under Hassan.
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