Tanzania’s general election on Wednesday was overshadowed by a nationwide internet shutdown that intensified concerns of state control and repression on a day meant to showcase democracy.
The outage, confirmed by the global internet watchdog NetBlocks, cut off millions from social media platforms and news sites. The organization reported that “live network data show a nationwide disruption to internet connectivity,” following hours of slow access reported across major cities and rural areas.
The blackout compounded an already tense political atmosphere marked by widespread arrests, opposition bans, and heavy police deployment.
Amnesty International described the pre-election climate as one of “fear and intimidation,” citing verified cases of arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and even extrajudicial killings. The rights group warned that such abuses “undermine the legitimacy of the election.”
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, seeking her first full term under the long-ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), voted in the capital, Dodoma, urging citizens to exercise their civic duty. But voter apathy appeared widespread. Reports from several polling units indicated a low turnout, particularly among young voters, amid claims of intimidation and restricted opposition participation.
The main opposition leader, Tundu Lissu of the CHADEMA party, remains imprisoned on treason charges after calling for electoral reforms, while another major opposition candidate was disqualified from the race — effectively narrowing the field.
Voting opened at 7 a.m. local time and closed at 4 p.m., with preliminary results expected within 24 hours. The National Electoral Commission has up to seven days to announce final results.
Despite a 26% increase in registered voters — now exceeding 37 million — analysts predict a low level of enthusiasm and confidence in the process. Many Tanzanians believe the outcome is already decided, with Hassan widely expected to win comfortably.
Protests organized by CHADEMA on election day were swiftly quashed by police in Dar es Salaam and other cities. Security forces dispersed demonstrators in Kimara Kibo, while scattered violence was reported in Ubungo, where a bus and fuel station were reportedly set ablaze.
President Hassan had earlier warned that “no protests would be tolerated.”
For many observers, however, the most striking story of Tanzania’s election lies not in the results but in the voices muted — both online and offline — as the country joins a growing list of African nations where internet blackouts accompany controversial elections.
