- Tanzanians cast their votes in the general election on October 29, 2025, with President Samia Suluhu also voting in Dodoma
- The election, which is seen as a probable victory for Suluhu, faced unrest, including protests by Gen Z demonstrators
- According to a viral video, demonstrators blocked a CCM-branded vehicle and discovered papers that appeared to be related to the election
Tanzanians came out on Wednesday, October 29, to participate in the general elections.
Source: Facebook
Many candidates vying for various positions arrived at their various polling stations to cast their votes.
President Samia Suluhu, who is seeking re-election using the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), also cast her vote in Dodoma.
Did Tanzanians protest during election?
The country has experienced unrest in some parts, with young people protesting in response to a contentious presidential election widely seen as unfair and undemocratic.
Key opposition figures were barred from running, and observers have reported a major government crackdown on dissent in the run-up to the vote, according to a report by the BBC.
The upcoming poll is expected to be a guaranteed victory for President Suluhu and her governing party, given that the primary opposition leader is incarcerated on charges of treason, which he refutes, and his party has opted to boycott the election.
Why did Gen Z protesters block CCM van?
The demonstrators, advocating for electoral reforms and unrestricted political engagement, ignited vehicles and inflicted significant damage on public infrastructure.
A video trending on social media has shown a group of Gen Zs blocking a vehicle branded CCM on the road.
After blocking the vehicle, they found papers that appeared like those meant to be used in the elections (ballot papers).
The clip attracted reactions on social media after it was shared by Kenya’s Plug TV. They were seen destroying the papers and throwing them on the road.
Watch the video:
raj_da_boy:
“There is no Tanzanian media that has shown the protest. How have they been seated?”
graceenjnj:
“Am super proud of TZ Gen Zs.”
verahkui254:
“Kenyan Gen Zs have set the standard to all African Gen Zs that they should fight for their rights.”
alfytafy:
“Fixing the nation, country by country.”
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Tanzania election 2025: Police impose 6 pm curfew in Dar es Salaam amid widespread protests
aghan.96:
“So, where is the CCM minibus taking the ballot papers? Is this the real Tanzania that I used to hear of? Don’t accept the results!”
benard_saidimu:
“When they lose fear, they lose their power.”
benard_saidimu:
“Good job, Tanzanian Gen Zs.”
Is there internet shutdown in Tanzania?
As reported earlier, Tanzania is experiencing a nationwide internet disruption as millions of citizens go to the polls in a highly charged election characterised by limited freedoms and a muted opposition.
The blackout, which has been confirmed by NetBlocks, an organisation that monitors internet activity, occurred precisely as polling commenced at 7am, severing access to major social media platforms and messaging services throughout the nation.
Source: Getty Images
As reported by the watchdog, the majority of users experienced several hours of reduced connectivity prior to the complete shutdown.
The timing and magnitude of this outage have sparked concerns that the government has taken measures to suppress the flow of information and restrict monitoring on election day.
Human rights organisations had previously cautioned that this disruption would compromise the transparency of a poll that has already faced criticism for being biased.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
