Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured a landslide victory in the October 29, 2025 presidential election, winning about 97.66% to 98% of the vote, according to official results announced by the electoral commission. She received nearly 32 million votes, marking a commanding win in a national election widely described as lacking genuine competition.
However, the election has been marred by widespread unrest and controversy. Opposition candidates were either jailed or barred from running, triggering violent protests across Tanzania’s major cities. According to opposition party Chadema and rights groups, hundreds of people have been killed during these demonstrations as security forces cracked down on dissent. The government has imposed curfews and internet blackouts, complicating independent verification of casualty figures and repression claims.
President Hassan, Tanzania’s first female president, assumed office in 2021 after the sudden death of her predecessor, John Magufuli. This election victory consolidates her power but raises significant concerns internationally about democratic freedoms and political suppression in Tanzania.
Protesters condemned the election process as unfair, alleging mass fraud and suppression of opposition voices. The military and police have been deployed to maintain order amidst ongoing tensions.
Despite the turmoil, President Hassan vowed to bring peace and stability to the country, calling for unity and pledging to address the challenges Tanzania faces. Her government denies the use of excessive force and downplays the scale of the violence.
The elections highlight Tanzania’s political crisis, balancing strong centralized rule against demands for democratic space and human rights.