Samia Suluhu Wins Tanzania Presidential Election with 97.66% of Votes

The National Electoral Commission of Tanzania announced on Saturday morning that President Samia Suluhu Hassan has secured re-election, winning 97.66% of the votes in the presidential race.

Samia, who assumed office in 2021 following the death of the late John Pombe Magufuli, will lead Tanzania for another five-year term. The country has a population of over 68 million people.

According to the commission, Samia received about 31.9 million votes out of 37.6 million registered voters, marking an 87% voter turnout.

Her victory, however, sparked protests from young people claiming the elections were not transparent, alleging that some opposition candidates were barred from running. Protesters burned government buildings and tore down posters bearing Samia’s image.

Security forces urged citizens to stay home to prevent further unrest.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo downplayed the disturbances in some areas and dismissed reports that security personnel used excessive force.

At 65, Samia is known for maintaining the country’s development trajectory established under Magufuli and for her calm leadership following his death.