- Mahmoud Youssouf acknowledged President Samia Suluhu’s victory in the recent polls despite protests by the opposition
- Suluhu emerged victorious with nearly 100% of the total votes cast in an election she contested alone after disqualifying her possible challengers
- Youssouf regretted the loss of lives during the polls that were marred by chaos as electorate protested Suluhu’s alleged dictatorship
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
The chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has congratulated Tanzania’s president-elect, Samia Suluhu Hassan, following her sweeping victory in the country’s presidential election.
Source: Twitter
Suluhu secured approximately 31.9 million votes, representing 97.66% of the total ballots cast, according to the electoral commission.
Were Tanzanian polls free and fair?
Voter turnout reached nearly 87% of the country’s 37.6 million registered voters.
The announcement was made on Saturday, November 1, by electoral commission chief Jacobs Mwambegele, who formally declared Suluhu the winner.
In her victory speech, Suluhu described the election as free and democratic while condemning post-election protesters as unpatriotic.
Her remarks came amid widespread unrest that erupted on polling day, resulting in hundreds of injuries and several fatalities.
What did Mahmoud Youssouf say after Suluhu’s win?
In an official statement by AU dated November 1, Youssouf acknowledged the results and reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to supporting Tanzania’s efforts toward peace, national cohesion, and democratic governance.
“The chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, takes note of the results of the presidential election in Tanzania and congratulates H.E. President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her victory,” AU said.
Source: Facebook
The AU chairperson expressed deep regret over the loss of life during the protests and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
He emphasised the importance of safeguarding fundamental rights, including peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, urging both authorities and citizens to uphold the principles within the bounds of the law.
Youssouf also reiterated the values enshrined in the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance, highlighting the need for respect for the rule of law.
“The chairperson recalls the principles of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, in particular respect for human rights, the rule of law, political pluralism, and fundamental freedoms, which are the cornerstones of democratic and stable societies,” the statement read.
However, the AU’s endorsement came after opposition parties rejected the election outcome, labeling it a mockery of democracy.
Critics pointed to the imprisonment or disqualification of key challengers as evidence of a flawed electoral process.
Why didn’t ANC observe Tanzanian polls?
Meanwhile, the African National Congress (ANC) announced that it was unable to observe Tanzania’s 2025 General Election due to internet disruptions in the country.
A communication breakdown on election day hindered real-time monitoring, prompting the deputy secretary general to prepare a briefing for ANC leadership.
The ANC reaffirmed its commitment to continental collaboration and support for decolonial progress across Africa.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
