- The Tanzanian General Election was held on Wednesday, October 29, to elect the president and Members of Parliament
- Protests rocked major cities in the East African country after the main Opposition candidate, Tundu Lissu, was locked out
- At least 30 people were killed in the anti-government demonstrations as protesters clashed with police
TUKO.co.ke journalist Japhet Ruto has over eight years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting, offering insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.
Tanzanian government officials have lifted the suspension of internet services a day after shutting it down to stop rioting that erupted during the country’s presidential and legislative elections.
Source: Twitter
However, the dawn-to-dusk curfew that was imposed in Dar es Salaam remained in place, even as protesters clashed with the police.
According to Bloomberg, the East African country ended the internet blackout on Thursday, October 30.
Police patrolled the streets in major cities across the country as schools were shut.
The BBC reported that the government ordered civil servants to work from home amid escalating tensions.
Why are Tanzanians protesting?
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, 65, sought a first full term in the election and is expected to win because neither the candidate of the second-largest opposition party nor her primary rival, Tundu Lissu, who is now in custody and is being tried for treason, was allowed to compete.
On Wednesday, October 29, a large number of opposition supporters demonstrated against their exclusion in the streets.
Throughout Wednesday night’s clash between protesters and police, Dar es Salaam residents reported hearing gunshots.
Additionally, demonstrations were reported in Arusha, a well-known tourist destination near Mount Kilimanjaro, Dodoma, the administrative centre, and other places.
Will Suluhu win?
Over 90% of voters cast ballots, the largest turnout in at least 25 years, according to results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Source: Twitter
According to INEC chairman Jacob Mwambegele, Suluhu received 95% of the vote in some seats where the vote count was finished.
In Katavi constituency, she received 99.99% of the vote.
Where is Suluhu?
President Suluhu’s location was still unknown while the East African country’s vote count went on.
As hundreds of Tanzanians flocked to the streets to protest what they called a chaotic election, senior government officials in Dodoma were likewise nowhere to be found.
Chaos erupted at the Namanga border checkpoint on Thursday, October 30, in the afternoon when Tanzanian police used tear gas canisters and live bullets in response to stones thrown by Tanzanian and Kenyan youths.
How many people were killed?
Kabuli Balayi, a Tanzanian national, and John Kahindi, a local Kenyan businessman, were shot dead by police during the altercation.
It was estimated that within 24 hours, at least 30 people were killed and scores more were injured.
The unrest occurred as results broadcast on state television TBC showed Suluhu was ahead by a significant margin.
Protests grew despite the strong security presence, as protesters chanted anti-government slogans and waved placards.
Suluhu’s regime has long been criticised for stifling dissent, imprisoning opposition leaders, and limiting the press.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
