Tanzanian Opposition Rejects Election Results, Cites Hundreds of Deaths

The country's electoral commission declared President Samia Suluhu Hassan the winner of the October 29 elections with 98% of the vote, but the main opposition party, Chadema, has rejected the results, calling the election a "sham" and alleging hundreds of deaths. Chadema leader Tundu Lissu, who is currently on trial on treason charges, accused the government of rigging the election and suppressing opposition voices. "You'll never have free, fair, and transparent elections in this country," Lissu said in a statement. "The people of Tanzania deserve better." The opposition party's claims of electoral irregularities and human rights abuses have been echoed by international observers, who have raised concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in the electoral process. "We have received reports of intimidation, harassment, and violence against opposition supporters and election officials," said a spokesperson for the African Union's election observer mission. The government, however, has maintained that the election was free and fair, and that the opposition's allegations are baseless. President Hassan's inauguration ceremony on Monday was attended by foreign dignitaries and senior government officials, but it was notable for the absence of members of the public. The electoral commission's decision to declare Hassan the winner with 98% of the vote has been widely criticized by opposition parties and human rights groups, who argue that the result is not credible. The opposition has called for a recount and an investigation into the alleged irregularities. The ban on Chadema, the country's largest opposition party, has been a major point of contention in the lead-up to the election. The party's leaders have been subjected to harassment and intimidation, and many of its supporters have been arrested or forced into hiding. The situation in Tanzania has raised concerns about the country's democratic credentials and the rule of law. The international community has called for restraint and respect for human rights, and for the government to address the opposition's concerns and allegations. The current status of the situation is uncertain, with the opposition party vowing to continue its protests and calls for a recount. The government, meanwhile, has maintained its position that the election was free and fair, and that the opposition's allegations are baseless.