- Tanzanian elections were marred with chaos, resulting in massive loss of lives and injuries as protests rocked major cities
- President Samia Suluhu accused the protesters of being unpatriotic following their post-election actions
- The Constitution of 1977 explained the reason why Suluhu would assume office and complete her second term despite the flaws
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured a sweeping victory in Tanzania’s 2025 General Election, garnering over 31 million votes out of the 32 million cast, representing more than 97% of the total vote.
Source: Twitter
The election, held on Wednesday, October 29, was marked by widespread unrest and allegations of authoritarianism, with opposition leaders and citizens raising concerns over the integrity of the process.
How did Tanzanian 2025 General Election unfold?
Suluhu ran virtually unopposed after several prominent challengers were either disqualified or imprisoned in the lead-up to the polls.
The post-election period was turbulent, with protests erupting in major cities such as Dar es Salaam and Mwanza.
The demonstrations, initially peaceful, escalated into violent clashes with security forces, resulting in hundreds of reported deaths and injuries.
Despite the unrest, Suluhu, in her victory speech, maintained that the elections were free and democratic.
Her administration dismissed the protests as unpatriotic, even as reports surfaced of irregularities, including ballot boxes allegedly found in vehicles linked to her campaign.
In an effort to quell tensions, Suluhu reportedly reached out to neighbouring heads of state to mediate a potential reconciliation with CHADEMA party leader Tundu Lissu.
However, Lissu declined any overtures for dialogue, citing concerns over justice and human dignity.
Can Suluhu’s re-election be challenged?
The opposition’s ability to challenge the election outcome remains severely limited.
Unlike in countries such as Kenya, where courts can nullify presidential results under certain conditions, Tanzania’s legal framework offers no such recourse.
Article 41 of the 1977 Constitution explicitly states that once the Electoral Commission declares a candidate duly elected, no court has jurisdiction to inquire into the election.
This provision effectively shields presidential results from judicial scrutiny, reinforcing the finality of Suluhu’s victory.
“When a candidate is declared by the Electoral Commission to have been duly elected in accordance with this Article, then no court of law shall have any jurisdiction to inquire into the election of that candidate,” the constitution states.
Following the declaration, the president-elect is required to assume office within seven days, unless the president resigns or dies within the stipulated period.
After assuming office, the president will rule for a period of five years, according to the constitution.
With the opposition silenced and legal avenues closed, Suluhu’s administration is poised to continue its rule, though questions about democratic space and political freedoms remain at the forefront of public discourse.
Source: Twitter
Was the Tanzanian 2025 General Election observed?
Meanwhile, the African National Congress (ANC) revealed that it was unable to monitor Tanzania’s 2025 General Election due to widespread internet disruptions.
While its delegation took part in final pre-election rallies, a breakdown in communication on polling day prevented real-time observation.
Despite the setback, the ANC reiterated its dedication to fostering continental unity and advancing decolonial efforts across Africa.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
