Tanzanian President Re-Elected Despite Protest Pressure

(CLO) Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan was re-elected with an overwhelming majority in an election marred by protests across the country.

The East African nation's electoral commission said Ms Hassan, who takes power in 2021, received more than 31.9 million votes, or 97.66% of the total, giving her another five-year term.

Protests erupted during Tanzania’s presidential and parliamentary elections on Wednesday, with protesters tearing down pro-Hassan banners and setting fire to government buildings. Protesters were angry that the Election Commission had disqualified two of Hassan’s biggest rivals from running.

The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) says credible reports indicate that at least 10 people have been killed in three cities.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Photo: CC/Wiki

In a speech from the administrative capital Dodoma after being confirmed as the winner, President Hassan said the protesters' actions were "neither responsible nor patriotic".

“When it comes to Tanzania’s security, there is no question – we must use every security measure available to ensure the country remains safe,” she declared.

Tanzania's main opposition party CHADEMA has been banned from elections for refusing to sign a code of conduct, with its leader arrested on treason charges in April.

Authorities have imposed a nationwide curfew since Wednesday and restricted internet access. Many international flights have been canceled, and operations at the port of Dar es Salaam, a regional hub for fuel imports and exports of mined metals, have been disrupted.

Tanzanian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo rejected allegations that security forces had used excessive force, saying there had been only "very few minor incidents" caused by criminal elements.

Source: https://congluan.vn/tong-thong-tanzania-tai-dac-cu-truoc-suc-ep-bieu-tinh-10316281.html