'Blood on ballots': 700 killed in Tanzania's election protest; army, curfew, blackout enforced - what went wrong?

An African country, Tanzania, is in turmoil, as opposition leaders claimed that around 700 people were killed in three days of violent clashes with security forces during nationwide protests over disputed general elections. The protest that began as a call for electoral justice has spiralled into one of the deadliest political crises in the East African nation. According to a news report from AFP, the main opposition party, Chadema, claimed that hundreds of protestors were shot or beaten by security forces during demonstrations in Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and several other regions. The government has neither confirmed nor denied the figures but has imposed a military curfew, internet blackout, and citywide shutdowns.According to AFP, John Kitoka, spokesman for Chadema, said around 350 people were killed in Dar es Salaam and over 200 in Mwanza, with dozens more in other regions. "Our message to the government is: Stop killing our protesters. Stop police brutality. Respect the will of the people which is electoral justice," he said.The protest turned violent as thousands took to the streets after the Independent National Electoral Commission began announcing results widely perceived as rigged in favour of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, in power since independence in 1961.Witnesses reported that police and soldiers used live ammunition and tear gas to disperse crowds defying curfew in Dar es Salaam’s Mbagala, Gongo la Mboto, and Kiluvya areas. Gunfire echoed through the city on Thursday night.Chadema has called for the creation of a transitional government to organise fresh elections. "There was no election at all," Kitoka said. "We need a transitional government to pave the way for free and fair elections."Authorities have deployed troops across major cities and enforced an internet blackout, cutting communication and access to independent information. Colleges and universities, set to reopen Monday, have been ordered shut indefinitely.Amnesty International confirmed at least two verified deaths but said the real toll was likely much higher. The United Nations and other watchdogs have warned of escalating violence and urged restraint.President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who succeeded John Magufuli in 2021, has faced growing criticism for what UN experts describe as a pattern of disappearances, torture, and repression of dissenting voices.Major opposition figures, including Tundu Lissu (Chadema) and Luhaga Mpina (ACT-Wazalendo), were barred from contesting, leaving only minor candidates to challenge Hassan. Lissu was arrested earlier this year on treason charges after calling for electoral reforms.In June, nine UN experts condemned Tanzania's crackdown as "unacceptable," citing over 200 disappearances since 2019. In September, Human Rights Watch documented a rise in politically motivated assaults and abductions.In the semi-autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar, where the CCM's Hussein Mwinyi won with 78.8% of the votes, the opposition has alleged massive fraud. A heavy military presence has kept the island largely quiet.