Millions of Gen-Z led protests have poured in Tanzania and occupied Tanzania International Airport following yesterday election that was marred with uncertainty and dissatisfaction by voters after the major contestants of presidential bid were barred from participating in the ballot by the sitting President Samia Suluhu
The youth who have recently to take on the bad governance in most of African countries have this afternoon occupied key infrastructures forcing police to flee for their safety
The country held general elections on Wednesday amid tight security, reports of violent protests and an internet shutdown that drew criticism from rights groups and regional observers.
Even on Wednesday, the demonstrators, disrupted the polls after rowdy youths stormed stations in various parts of the country, destroying ballot boxes and scattering the ballot papers.
The vote, which covered the presidency, parliament, and local councils, was widely viewed as direct endorsement since opposition chiefs like Chadema Party leader Tundu Lissu who could have floored her is still in jail over treasonous charges with his party boycotting the polls, having also been barred by court from engaging in any political activity.
ACT- Wazalendo’s Luhaga Mpina were disqualified by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), effectively removing her main rivals.
Neighbouring countries like Kenya’s People’s Liberal Party leader Martha Karua have condemned the authoritarian being practised in East African Community leaders when they should uphold the democracy and the rights of the citizens to thrive
Other human rights organisations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have previously documented restrictions on opposition parties, journalists and civil society in the lead-up to the polls.
Suluhu ascended to power in 2021 following the death of her predecessor, John Pombe Mwalimu Magufuli.
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With little competition, the elections were expected to extend the 64-year rule of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, Africa’s longest-serving political organisation.
Sixteen frontier parties, none of whom have historically had significant public support, have been cleared to contest against President Samia, who is seeking a second term in office
Political observers noted that the remaining candidates had limited national visibility and lacked strong party structures to mount a serious challenge against her.
Several specialists, speaking to international media outlets, supposed the process seemed heavily sloping in favour of the incumbent