By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Police in Tanzania’s main city Dar es Salaam on Wednesday fired teargas to disperse opposition supporters protesting against the ongoing general election in the East African country.
Analysts say the election is expected to be a “coronation” for President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her ruling party, as the main opposition leader is in jail over allegation of treason, which he denied. His party, CHADEMA also boycotted the election.
Several persons sustained varying injuries in the confrontation after groups of protesters gathered along major highways to demand electoral reforms, and free political activity.
According to a BBC report, protesters lit fires on roads, vandalised buses, and caused extensive damage to bus terminals and other public infrastructure.
“We are tired… We want an independent electoral commission so that every Tanzanian can choose the leader they want,” a protester was quoted as saying.
Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Alfred Chalamila warned that the government would take strong action against those disrupting peace in the city.
In a statement on X, internet watchdog NetBlocks reported a “nationwide disruption to internet connectivity”.
Reports say that voter turnout in Dar es Salaam was low when polls opened on Wednesday, with many hesitant to show up amid safety concerns.
A police spokesperson assured the public there was no threat to their safety, saying “people should come out and vote”, according to a message posted on social media.
More than 37 million registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots in the presidential and parliamentary election.
16 small political parties, none of whom have historically had significant public support, were cleared to contest against President Hassan, who is seeking a second term.
Samia’s ruling party, CCM, has dominated the country’s politics and has never lost an election since independence.
Ahead of the election, rights groups condemned government repression, with Amnesty International citing a “wave of terror” involving enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings of opposition figures.
The leader of CHADEMA party, Tundu Lissu is still in detention after being charged with treason amid criticism of Hassan’s human rights record.
The government rejected allegations of clampdown on opposition and officials said the election would be free and fair.
Hassan came into office in 2021 as Tanzania’s first female president following the death of President John Magufuli.
She was initially praised for easing political repression under her predecessor, but the political space has since narrowed, with her government accused of targeting critics through arrests and a wave of abductions.
The electoral body is expected to announce results in three days after voting ends.
