Tanzania’s Opposition Refuses to Recognise Samia Suluhu Hassan as President-elect

Tanzania, 2 November 2025 - Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), has rejected President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s overwhelming election victory, describing it as a “coup against the will of the people.”

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Hassan the winner with 97.6 percent of the votes after the 29 October 2025 election, extending her rule in what authorities called a “peaceful and fair” process.

However, opposition parties, human rights groups, and civil society organisations say the election was marred by intimidation, irregularities, and the exclusion of key challengers.

CHADEMA, in a statement issued Saturday night by Secretary-General John Mnyika, said no genuine election took place, arguing that citizens were unable to participate freely due to “an environment that was neither free nor fair.”

The party alleged that the electoral results were fabricated to favour the incumbent, accusing Hassan’s ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party of orchestrating a massive rigging operation.

“The announcement of results today (Saturday) is a clear coup against the will of Tanzanians, who have been denied their democratic right to choose the leader they want,” Mnyika said, adding that the party “does not recognize Samia Suluhu Hassan as the President of the United Republic of Tanzania.”

The statement further urged the international community not to recognise Hassan’s presidency, saying she “lacks legitimacy, having not been elected by the citizens of Tanzania.”

Protests erupted in several cities, including Mwanza, Arusha, and Dar es Salaam, with reports of security forces clashing with demonstrators demanding new elections.

Rights groups say dozens have been killed, while hundreds have been arrested, though the opposition claimed that "about 700 people were killed".

Despite widespread criticism, only a few jurisdictions — including Oman, Burundi, Somalia, and the African Union Commission — have so far congratulated Hassan on her re-election.

Observers say the election marks one of Tanzania’s most contested moments in recent years, deepening tensions between the ruling party and the opposition amid growing calls for political reforms.