Protests Erupts Across Tanzania On Election Day
DODOMA, Tanzania, Oct 29 – Protests have been reported in Tanzania as the country goes to the polls, with President Samia Suluhu expected to retain power, Despite having limited internet access Tanzanian youths have taken to the streets to demonstrate against the general election being held today.
Youths claim that the country’s democracy is at risk and that the elections are undemocratic as they are also against the rule of Samia Suluhu, whose tenure has been reported to violate the country’s constitution.
According to the Tanganyika Law Society and the International Human Rights Society, Hassan’s critics, journalists and opposition leaders risk abductions, forced disappearances, and death, putting her government under scrutiny.
Samia Suluhu became the president of Tanzania by succession after the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, in March 2021. Previously, she served as the vice president of Tanzania from 2015 to 2021.
Ms Suluhu also served as a member of the Zanzibar House of Representatives and as a minister in the year 2000 and was Member of Parliament for the Makunduchi constituency and vice-chairperson of the Constitutional Assembly in 2014, which was responsible for drafting the country’s new constitution.
Low voter turnout has also been reported in Tanzania on the day of the general elections. More than 37 million registered voters who are 18 years and older were expected to go to their polling centers and elect the leaders of their choice, from members of parliament to the president.
This comes after the most influential opposition leader and party leader for CHADEMA, Tundu Lissu, who is facing treasonous charges under the Suluhu government, urged his followers not to turn out and vote.
Tundu Lissu and Luhaga Mpina of ACT Wazalendo, who are political threats to Hassan, have been barred from standing, leaving Suluhu with less competition since those who are contesting are less known by voters.
Tanzania’s electoral body, Tume Huru ya Taifa ya Uchaguzi, which translates to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that election results are to be announced within three days of the elections.
