Tanzanians are heading to the polls, with more than 37 million registered voters set to decide whether President Samia Suluhu Hassan will secure a second term in office. The Kenya Times begins its live coverage as Tanzania Decides.
The election marks her first presidential contest, coming four years after she took over the country’s leadership in March 2021 following the death of John Pombe Magufuli.
Suluhu Hassan will defend her seat as a member of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) against 16 other candidates.
5:30 PM: Tanzania Police Imposes Curfew
The Tanzanian Police have announced a nationwide curfew starting at 6 PM East Africa Time (EAT) amid ongoing unrest.Â
This follows after Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Alfred Chalamila, said state agencies are in place, Strong, and ready to face any attempt to breach the peace in the city, stressing that the Government will not hesitate to take strict action against any person or group that tries to disrupt order.
The statement in October 29came following reports of the presence of a group of youths who allegedly tried to protest in the Kibo area, Kimara, before the police dispersed them.
“Even if you see there is propaganda of any kind on social media about any area of the Dar es Salaam Region, know the power that will be used to control the matter is seven times more than the force applied planning it,” said Chalamila.
3:54 PM: US Embassy in Tanzania Issues Warning
The U.S. Embassy in Tanzania has issued an alert warning of ongoing demonstrations in multiple locations across the country.
They noted that security forces are actively responding to the unrest, and U.S. government personnel have been advised to remain sheltered at their residences.
The embassy stressed that U.S. citizens in Tanzania should take extra precautions, avoid crowded areas, and stay informed about local developments amid the demonstrations.
Protests in the city of Dar es Salaam are increasingly spreading from Kimara and have entered the Magomeni area.
12:43 PM: Polling Station Destroyed
A polling station has been destroyed as protests erupt across Tanzania during the election day.Â
12:15 PM: Samia Suluhu Votes
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has cast her vote at the Chamwino Village Office polling station in Dodoma.
Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Presidential running mate Ambassador Dr. Emmanuel John Nchimbi participates in the voting exercise to elect President, Member of Parliament and Councillor.
11: 09 AM: Protest Erupts
Police in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, have dispersed a group of youths who were demonstrating in the Kimara Kibo area, located between Ubungo and Kimara, amid the ongoing general election in the country.
The protests are part of an online-driven movement by activists and young people calling for greater political reforms in Tanzania.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
It’s concerning to see protests erupting in Tanzania amid the general election. If this unrest is tied to election fairness, it could have serious consequences for the country’s political stability. Hopefully, peaceful resolutions can be found.