CHADEMA denounces ‘illegitimate’ Tanzania election results, urges world not to recognise Samia

Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), has denounced Samia Suluhu Hassan as president, calling her so-called win in the October 29, 2025, election illegitimate and failing to reflect the will of Tanzanians.

In a statement on Saturday, the party urged the international community not to recognise Samia’s victory, citing widespread electoral fraud, intimidation of opposition parties and a political environment that was neither free nor fair.

“CHADEMA strongly rejects the so-called election results announced by the National Electoral Commission. These results have no basis in reality, as the truth is that no genuine election took place in Tanzania,” the party said.

It argued that citizens did not participate in the elections due to an environment that was neither free nor fair, and because of the absence of a level political playing field.

CHADEMA accused the Electoral Commission of releasing “completely fabricated” results that reflected “the malicious intent of Samia Suluhu Hassan and her party to rig the election, an act which they have succeeded.”

“CHADEMA has repeatedly stated its position of 'No Reforms, No Election'. We warned clearly that without genuine electoral reforms and political laws, this election could not be free, fair, or credible,” it said.

It described the election results as a coup against the Tanzanian people, asserting that citizens were denied their democratic right to choose their leader.

The party further declared that it “does not recognise Samia Suluhu Hassan as the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, as she has not been elected by the people of Tanzania,” and urged the international community to follow suit.

The National Electoral Commission announced that President Samia won nearly 98 per cent of the vote, with her ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), claiming a decisive victory across all regions.

Reports indicated that several opposition parties were either barred or boycotted the vote due to harassment, arrests and restrictions on campaign activities. Protests erupted in major cities, with demonstrators tearing down banners and accusing the government of staging a “sham election.”

International media, including Reuters and The Guardian, reported that security forces dispersed crowds using tear gas. Human rights groups and opposition activists claimed hundreds of deaths and injuries, though the government dismissed the figures as “gross exaggerations.”

The Guardian cited opposition sources estimating that up to 700 people may have died during post-election violence, although this remains unverified.

“As we speak, the figure for deaths in Dar (es Salaam) is around 350, and for Mwanza it is 200-plus. Added to figures from other places around the country, the overall figure is around 700,” CHADEMA’s spokesperson John Kitoka said.

He warned that the toll could be higher, as killings might continue under nighttime curfew.

Government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa said the situation was “under control” and urged citizens to remain calm and respect the law, while the electoral commission emphasised that “the people of Tanzania have chosen continuity and stability.”

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• CHADEMA denounces ‘illegitimate’ Tanzania election results
• urges world not to recognise Samia

Supporters of Samia celebrated her declared victory in Dar es Salaam, waving CCM flags, while critics questioned the credibility of the election.

Samia, Tanzania’s first female president, assumed office in 2021 following the death of John Magufuli. She campaigned on promises of stability and economic growth, aiming to balance investor confidence with tight political control at home.

Analysts say her second term will test her ability to manage economic reforms while addressing mounting demands for political freedom and human rights protections.

The African Union Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, acknowledged Suluhu’s declared win but expressed regret over the loss of life. He extended condolences to victims’ families, urged authorities to protect fundamental rights, and reaffirmed the AU’s readiness to support Tanzania in preserving peace, cohesion and democracy.

In Zanzibar, where CCM was declared the winner of the local vote, opposition party ACT-Wazalendo also rejected the result, accusing authorities of ballot stuffing, allowing multiple voting without ID and expelling their observers.

The country remains under curfew and an internet blackout as authorities maintain a heavy police and military presence amid continued unrest.