Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of the country’s presidential election, securing another term in office.
According to “the National Electoral Commission, President Samia, the candidate of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, received about 31.9 million votes, representing 97.66% of the total ballots cast in Wednesday’s election.”
Voter turnout was reported at nearly 87% of the country’s 37.6 million registered voters.
The announcement was made by the Electoral Commission Chairperson, Jacobs Mwambegele, on Saturday in Dar es Salaam.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that protests erupted in parts of the country following the announcement of the results. Demonstrators in Dar es Salaam and other major cities expressed dissatisfaction with the electoral process, alleging irregularities.
International observers have also raised concerns about transparency and the conduct of the polls, while a nationwide internet shutdown has made it difficult to independently verify reports of unrest.
Authorities have extended a curfew to maintain order and deployed additional security personnel to major cities.
As of Saturday morning, calm was reportedly returning to Dar es Salaam, although security remained tight in several parts of the city.
BBC/Shakirat Sadiq