On Saturday morning, the votes were counted.
- I hereby announce Samia Suluhu Hassan as the winner of the presidential election under the party Chama Cha Mapinduzi.
the presidential and national assembly elections in Tanzania this week have been characterized by large demonstrations.
Police stations,gas stations,shops have been in flames. Several polling stations have been attacked in the country’s capital Dar-es-Salaam.
In response,the protesters were met with gunfire and tear gas by the police. The authorities also introduced imposed curfews in the city.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan won the election with 98 percent of the vote, according to official results.
- There is no tradition in tanzania for the kind of violent demonstrations that we have seen now. It’s something that almost never happens there.
So says Morten Bøås, senior researcher at the Norwegian Foreign Policy Institute (Nupi).
Protests Erupt in Tanzania Ahead of Election
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the authorities in Tanzania have also said they are banning Chadema from participating in the election.
When it became clear that Hassan would stand for re-election, the party called for demonstrations. According to BBC, the demonstrations are led by young protesters.
Many in Tanzania hoped for improvement after the previous president, authoritarian john Magufuli, died in and was replaced by Hassan in 2021, Bøås explains.
Photo: Emmanuel herman / Reuters / NTB
People ride motorbikes and wave the Tanzanian flag as violent protests take place in Tanzania.
Photo: Onsase Ochando / Reuters / NTB
Violent Protests Erupt in Tanzania Following Election Results
Violent protests have broken out in Tanzania following the recent presidential election, with reports of numerous deaths. The unrest is centered around allegations of electoral fraud, and the government has responded with force to disperse demonstrators.
“That there are people who have been killed during these demonstrations,and that they have been killed by the security forces of the government,there is no doubt about that,” says researcher Morten Bøås. Amnesty International reports at least 100 people have been killed.
The country is experiencing a notable disruption to internet access, with NetBlocks reporting widespread outages. Local news websites have also ceased updating, and president Samia Suluhu Hassan only recently addressed the ongoing unrest after her election victory under the Chama Cha Mapinduzi party.
The situation highlights a potential disconnect between the party leadership and the current sentiments of the population.
Norway and Nordic Countries Express Concern Over Tanzanian Elections
Norway, along with its nordic counterparts – denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden – has voiced concerns regarding the recent elections in Tanzania. The foreign ministers of these nations have highlighted issues surrounding the electoral process, including reports of harassment, abductions, and threats directed at opposition figures and journalists during the pre-election period.
The statement, released on November 1st, 2025, underscores the importance of democratic principles and the need for a free and fair electoral surroundings. While acknowledging the completion of the elections, the Nordic ministers emphasized the troubling reports that cast a shadow over the process.
“We are concerned by reports of harassment, abductions and threats against opposition figures and journalists in the period leading up to the elections in Tanzania,” the joint statement reads. https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/nordic-countries-statement-on-tanzania-elections/id2936999
Concerns Regarding Political Climate
The Nordic countries’ statement reflects a broader international concern about the shrinking democratic space in Tanzania. Observers have noted a decline in political freedoms in recent years, with restrictions placed on opposition parties and self-reliant media. https://www.hrw.org/africa/tanzania These concerns are rooted in a pattern of government actions perceived as suppressing dissent and limiting political participation.
Travel Advisory
In light of the political climate, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to advise against non-essential travel to Tanzania. This advisory is in place to protect Norwegian citizens from potential risks associated with the current situation. Travelers are urged to stay informed about the latest developments and exercise caution.https://www.regjeringen.no/en/reiseguide/tanzania-reisrad/id2429199
Key Takeaways
* joint Nordic Statement: Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden have jointly expressed concerns about the Tanzanian elections.
* Pre-election Issues: The primary concerns relate to harassment, abductions, and threats against opposition figures and journalists before the election.
* Travel Advisory: Norway advises against non-essential travel to Tanzania due to the current political climate.
* Democratic Concerns: The statement highlights broader international concerns about the state of democracy and political freedoms in Tanzania.
The Nordic countries’ statement serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding democratic principles and ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for political participation. Continued monitoring of the situation in Tanzania will be crucial in the coming months.