Samia Hassan Re-Elected President of Tanzania with 98% of Votes

Tanzania’s Independent National Electoral Commission has declared President Samia Suluhu Hassan winner of the country’s general election, securing nearly 98 percent of the vote in a poll marred by widespread violence and allegations of suppression. The announcement on Saturday confirmed Hassan’s continuation in office for another five-year term, four years after she first assumed power following the death of her predecessor in 2021.

The election, held on Wednesday, has been met with intense protests across the country, with demonstrators denouncing what they described as a sham process that excluded key opposition figures. For three consecutive days, thousands of Tanzanians have taken to the streets, defying heavy police presence and internet restrictions. Videos circulating on social media—despite government-imposed disruptions—show protesters tearing down and burning campaign posters of President Hassan.

The main opposition party, Chadema, has alleged that more than 700 people have been killed in clashes between security forces and demonstrators. The government has not confirmed the figures, but rights groups and independent observers have expressed concern over reports of excessive force and mass arrests.

As unrest continues, some Tanzanians have begun referring to Hassan as “Idi Amin Mama,” drawing comparisons between her and Uganda’s former dictator Idi Amin Dada. The nickname has spread across social media platforms as a symbol of growing frustration over what many view as an increasingly authoritarian rule.

Despite the violence and accusations of electoral fraud, the electoral commission insists the vote was conducted fairly. President Hassan, now set for a second term, has yet to address the protests directly.