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What happened
On October 29, 2025, Tanzania held a contentious election that sparked widespread protests in Dar es Salaam, characterized by violence and internet disruptions. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, reported serious abuses, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, which have created an atmosphere of fear surrounding the polls. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, seeking her first full term, faces criticism for her administration's treatment of opposition members, including the imprisonment of the main opposition leader, Tundu Lissu. Despite a significant increase in registered voters, analysts predict low turnout due to widespread apathy and the perception that the election is a 'one-horse race.' The electoral commission has been accused of irregularities, further undermining the legitimacy of the electoral process. As the situation unfolds, the international community is closely monitoring the developments in Tanzania.
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Key insights
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1
Human Rights Violations
Reports of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings raise concerns about election integrity.
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2
Internet Disruptions
Nationwide internet outages occurred during the election, impacting communication and information access.
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3
Low Voter Turnout
Apathy among voters, especially youth, reflects disillusionment with the electoral process.
Takeaways
The protests and reported human rights abuses during Tanzania's election underscore significant challenges to democracy and governance in the country, raising questions about the future political landscape.