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.
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 
meanwhile, her supporters are saying she'll bring about meaningful change... fingers crossed for them! 
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 
. 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. 
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.
. 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. 
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? 
. 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 
. 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 
.
. And now the internet is out across the country? That's just not cool 
. Plus, people who were criticizin the gov are gettin abducted or arrested? That's some serious chill tactics 
.
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? 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 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 just hope that President Hassan can find a way to make real changes without sacrificing her own power 
, 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 
.
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 
i wonder what her opponents are gonna do next... is anyone even holding her accountable? 
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 
.
... Chadema and ACT-Wazalendo didn't even make it to the ballot 
The election outcome has sparked concerns about a "completely new paradigm or level of impunity" if she wins