Violent protests erupt as Tanzanian president nears election victory

Violent protests erupted in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday as Tanzania held an election that saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan nears victory. Protests turned violent when protesters threw rocks at police and a petrol station was set ablaze, while internet services were disrupted nationwide.

President Hassan is expected to strengthen her grip on the country after undoing some of former president John Magufuli's authoritarian policies, including allowing political rallies and making reconciliatory moves with opposition parties. However, she has since backtracked on these changes, dashing hopes of lasting change.

Opponents from major opposition parties have been disqualified from participating in the election, while government critics have faced abduction, torture, or arrest. The absence of Chadema and ACT-Wazalendo from the ballot makes this election "arguably the least competitive" since multiparty politics was reintroduced in 1992.

CCM party leader Hassan has pointed to economic growth and low inflation under her watch as plaudits for Tanzania's administration. However, critics argue that she lacks resources and name recognition compared to the countrywide party machinery built over decades by CCM.

Hassan is campaigning on promises of strengthening healthcare, education, and providing economic empowerment to uplift lives and foster inclusive growth. Her supporters claim that her focus on people will ensure meaningful participation in the nation's economic growth.

The election encompasses separate votes for president, MPs, and local politicians, with over 37 million people eligible to participate. The outcome has sparked concerns about Tanzania's future direction, with some warning of a "completely new paradigm or level of impunity" if Hassan wins.

Tanzania's long history of CCM rule means that this election holds significant implications for the country's trajectory and its standing in regional politics.

just saw the news about Tanzania's election protests and it's crazy! i feel so bad for those protesters who got injured or arrested... and what a bummer that opponents were disqualified from running... it's like they're being silenced before they even had a chance to express their views

i'm also kinda surprised that President Hassan is campaigning on promises of improving healthcare and education, but critics say she lacks the resources to back it up meanwhile, her supporters are saying she'll bring about meaningful change... fingers crossed for them!

can we just talk about how important it is to have free and fair elections? it's like, isn't that what democracy is all about? anyway, i hope Tanzania can find a way to resolve this peacefully and look towards a brighter future

Interesting . I think it's kinda weird how Tanzania is celebrating their president winning while others are protesting violently, like what's up with that? The opposition parties getting disqualified is super unfair too, it's like they're trying to rig the whole thing. And on the other hand, Hassan's promises about healthcare and education seem legit, but we'll just have to wait and see how she actually does things.

man, another election in africa where the gov't is more interested in maintaining power than serving the people . i'm all for president hassan wanting to change some things, but undoing progress just to go back to authoritarian ways? that's not leadership, that's regression.
and what about all these opponents who were disqualafied from running? or those critics who got tortured/arrested? doesn't that undermine the whole democratic process?
i'm worried about tanzania's future too...if hassan wins, will it just be more of the same old thing? and what about all these 'promises' she's making about healthcare eduction? can we really trust her to deliver on those?

.. I'm not sure how many people are really hoping for a change in Tanzania after the election. I mean, President Hassan has already made it clear she's not gonna rock the boat too much. She's still part of CCM, so I guess you could say she's just trying to maintain the status quo.

And let's be real, with opponents from major parties getting disqualified and facing all sorts of backlash... it doesn't exactly fill me with confidence in a smooth transition of power. Not to mention the economic growth claims are pretty suspect - has anyone seen the actual numbers?

I'm not sure what to make of this election outcome... on one hand, it's good that President Hassan is trying to bring some change to the country, undoing some of those authoritarian policies that came with Magufuli's rule. But at the same time, I'm a bit skeptical about her actual intentions and whether she's truly committed to inclusive growth and empowering the people.

I mean, disqualifying opposition party members from running in the election doesn't exactly scream "democracy" to me... and it seems like the CCM party machinery is still pretty powerful. I'm also concerned about the lack of transparency and accountability in this election process.

It's interesting that she's campaigning on promises of healthcare, education, and economic empowerment, but critics say she lacks resources and name recognition compared to the decades-long legacy of CCM rule. Does anyone think she can actually deliver on these promises?

So the election is kinda ruined now . I mean, violent protests? Rock-throwing at cops? That's not how you build a more inclusive nation, imo. And now Samia Suluhu Hassan is basically undoing all the progress made by Magufuli... or so it seemed . But let's be real, she was never gonna rock the boat too much. The CCM party's got a stranglehold on this country and it's hard to imagine anyone breaking free from that grip. And don't even get me started on the opposition parties being disqualified... that's just a total joke . It's all about the CCM, CCM, CCM. They're not gonna change, we're stuck with whoever's in power for now . At least they're talking about economic growth and education, but I'm not holding my breath .

Man, I'm kinda worried about Tanzania right now. I remember when John Magufuli passed away, there was so much hope for change... but it seems like Samia Suluhu Hassan has kinda taken a step back on all the progress they made. Like, what's the point of having more freedom if you're just gonna undo everything and go back to business as usual?

I feel bad for all the people who got disqualified from running or face weird consequences just 'cause they disagree with the CCM party. It's like, how are we supposed to trust our government when we can't even participate in democracy? And now there's talk of a "completely new paradigm" if Hassan wins... I don't know what that means, but it sounds sketchy

Tanzania has such a rich history and potential for growth - but it's like they're stuck in this cycle of corruption and authoritarianism. I just hope someone steps up soon to bring about real change

man... it feels like we're stuck between progress and regression . President Samia Suluhu Hassan seems to be holding onto power, but at what cost? undoing some of Magufuli's authoritarian policies was a good start, but backtracking now is just confusing... what does it say about our values as a society that we can't even have open and fair elections? the CCM party has always had a strong grip on the country, but this latest election feels like just another example of the same old game being played out in the shadows. and what's the real cost of economic growth if it means people are still struggling to make ends meet? the promises of strengthening healthcare, education, and economic empowerment sound nice, but where's the substance behind them?

Ugh, can't believe what's happening in Tanzania . It seems like just another example of a smooth-talking politician who only cares about getting re-elected. I mean, come on, they disqualify opponents from running? That's just a recipe for disaster. And now with the election results looking like they're leaning heavily towards her, it's only a matter of time before she goes back on all those promises to make things better. I'm not buying it . The lack of transparency and accountability is staggering. They're just gonna keep playing this game of 'us versus them' while the rest of us get left in the dust . And don't even get me started on the economy... more growth, more inflation? Sounds like a familiar old trick to me . Just another reason to be skeptical of politicians who promise the world but deliver nothing but empty promises .

.. I'm keepin an eye on this Tanzania election and it just don't sit right with me . First off, people are gettin upset over some pretty basic things - they're throwin rocks at cops and stuff like that . And now the internet is out across the country? That's just not cool .

And I'm tryin to understand why all these opposition parties weren't allowed to participate in this election... seems kinda fishy . Plus, people who were criticizin the gov are gettin abducted or arrested? That's some serious chill tactics .

But at the same time, President Hassan has been makin promises about strengthenin healthcare and education, which is def worth somethin . And I guess CCM's had a lot of control over the country for a long time, so it's a big deal when someone new comes in .

I just hope that whoever wins this election actually does stuff to benefit the people, not just themselves .

what's up with these so-called 'elections' where people are literally being silenced from competing ? Disqualifying opponents from participating is like, not democracy at all... . I mean, if she wants to stay in power, just be honest about it - no more empty promises of economic growth or healthcare improvements . Tanzania needs some real change, and I'm not convinced that Samia Suluhu Hassan's got the goods . And what's with the lack of transparency around these 'reconciliatory moves' with opposition parties? Sounds like just more smoke & mirrors ...

I'm getting the feeling that this election is more about stability than real change . President Hassan seems to be playing it safe by undoing some of Magufuli's policies, but then backing out on those changes . It's like she's trying to have her cake and eat it too . And what about the people who are really affected by these decisions? It feels like they're just pawns in a game they don't even understand .

I'm also worried about the opposition parties that were disqualified from participating . That's not democracy, that's not freedom of choice . And what about all the people who are being silenced or intimidated? It's like they're living in a dictatorship . I just hope that President Hassan can find a way to make real changes without sacrificing her own power .

I mean, I get it, stability is important , but at what cost? The future of Tanzania and its people are worth fighting for . Let's hope someone speaks up and demands better from our leaders .

omg i cant believe whats happening in tanzania the protests are so sad... i was reading about it on reddit and saw that there were people who actually voted for the opposition parties but they got disqualified its like, what even is the point of having elections if you cant participate?

i feel bad for president hassan though, she did seem to be making some positive changes before backing out on them but i guess its hard to just flip a switch and change everything overnight i wonder what her opponents are gonna do next... is anyone even holding her accountable?

Looks like another election in Tanzania where opposition voices are being silenced. Disqualifying major opposition parties from participating in the election is a pretty bold move, especially when you consider they're the ones who've been vocal about corruption and mismanagement under CCM rule. Meanwhile, President Hassan's campaign promises seem more focused on PR than actual policy changes. Can't help but wonder if her focus on "inclusive growth" is just a fancy way of saying she's gonna keep things as status quo for CCM loyalists

Ugh, can you believe what's happening in Tanzania? They're protesting like crazy, but it feels so fake... everyone's just trying to get attention, ya know? It's all about who can shout the loudest on social media vs who really cares about changing stuff. Back in my day, we had real protests that meant something! People actually got hurt or arrested for speaking out. Now, it's all just a bunch of drama and selfies ‍.

And don't even get me started on the politics... I mean, Samia Suluhu Hassan is trying to be all inclusive and stuff, but her party has been in power for so long, it's like they're still stuck in 1992 . The opposition parties are just a joke, and I'm not surprised Chadema and ACT-Wazalendo got disqualified... that's just more of the same old thing.

Honestly, what really gets me is that people are worried about a "completely new paradigm" if she wins... like, who's gonna care? It's all just a bunch of words and promises. Where's the substance?

I'm low-key worried about Tanzania's future direction ... did you see those protest stats? 100+ arrested, 50+ injured ! Economic growth is cool & all, but at what cost? The CCM party machine has been around for decades, and it's hard to imagine a shift when the opposition is basically shut down ... Chadema and ACT-Wazalendo didn't even make it to the ballot . With over 37 million people voting, that's like 2/3 of the population being denied a say in their country's future . The lack of resources & name recognition for Samia Suluhu Hassan is legit ... but at what cost? The election outcome has sparked concerns about a "completely new paradigm or level of impunity" if she wins ... we should be keeping an eye on this .

i'm worried about what's gonna happen next in tanzania . president hassan's not doing much to address the issues her opponents had with john magufuli's regime, like human rights abuses and restricted freedoms. it seems like she's just trying to keep the status quo rather than making real changes. the fact that major opposition parties weren't allowed on the ballot is a huge problem - it's like they're not even trying to be inclusive . and now the internet services are down, which means people can't even get news about what's happening in their country . i hope there's gonna be some kind of accountability for the government's actions, or else it could lead to more unrest .