Samia Suluhu Hassan Re-elected as Tanzania’s President After Landslide Vote

Tanzania’s electoral commission announced on Saturday that President Samia Suluhu Hassan has secured a landslide victory in the October 29, 2025 election, receiving over 97 percent of the vote.

Explosive Results and Political Context

Hassan, who first became president in 2021, was declared the winner with 97.66 % of the vote according to official figures. Her main challengers were barred from the race — major opposition leaders such as Tundu Lissu and Luhaga Mpina did not stand, leading critics to label the election a “coronation rather than a competition.”

Protests, Violence and Crackdown

As results were announced, large‐scale protests erupted across Tanzania, particularly in Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga and Morogoro. Demonstrators condemned the disqualification of opposition candidates and the repression of dissent.
According to the UN human rights office, there were credible reports of at least 10 fatalities across three cities during clashes with security forces. Authorities imposed heavy restrictions on rallies, internet access, and media coverage in the lead-up to polling day, drawing criticism from rights groups.

Implications for Tanzania’s Democracy

The victory cements the dominance of Hassan’s ruling party, the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), which has ruled the country since independence in 1961. However, observers warn that the near-total victory and suppression of opposition raise serious concerns about democratic legitimacy.
Critics argue that the election lacked genuine competition and that there were reports of arbitrary arrests, disappearances, and curtailed media freedoms before and during the vote.

What Comes Next

Hassan now begins a new five-year term amid economic challenges and political unrest. Her government faces mounting pressure to restore civil liberties, rebuild trust, and address growing public discontent.
Analysts say that her response to the protests and engagement with opposition voices in the coming weeks will determine whether Tanzania moves toward greater authoritarianism or renewed democratic openness.