Tanzania’s National Electoral Commission has officially declared President Samia Suluhu Hassan the winner of the October 29, 2025, presidential election, securing 97.66% of the total votes.
The announcement, made on Saturday, confirmed that Samia received 31,913,866 votes out of 32,678,844 cast, extending the rule of the long-dominant Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which has governed Tanzania for over six decades.
The election, however, was marred by controversy following an opposition boycott led by the Chadema party, after several of its top leaders, including Tundu Lissu, were barred from contesting on treason charges.
In the weeks leading up to the polls, over 100 opposition members and activists were reportedly arrested, sparking nationwide demonstrations that resulted in violent clashes with security forces.
At least 10 people have been confirmed dead following the unrest, prompting the United Nations to call for an independent investigation into the violence and alleged electoral irregularities.
The Tanzanian government, however, has denied any use of excessive force, insisting that the elections were peaceful and transparent.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who became Tanzania’s first female head of state in 2021, now begins another term with a renewed mandate, though under intense scrutiny from international observers and human rights groups calling for democratic reforms and political inclusivity.
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