Police in Tanzania's capital, Dar es Salaam, have used tear gas to disperse opposition supporters protesting against the general election being held in the East African country, the BBC reported.
The election is expected to be a victory for President Samia Suluhu and her ruling party, as the main opposition leader is in prison on treason charges, which he denies, and his party is boycotting the vote. Several people were injured in the confrontation after groups of protesters gathered on major highways to demand electoral reforms and free political activity. Protesters set fires on roads, vandalized buses and caused significant damage to bus terminals and other public infrastructure. “We want an independent electoral commission so that every Tanzanian can choose the leader they want“, a protester told the BBC.
Protests are going on in some parts of Tanzania🇹🇿.
Freedom must be fought for. pic.twitter.com/Ra9jakt5Cu— Majuu Alone Munene🇰🇪 (@jaokojohnmark) October 29, 2025
Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Alfred Chalamila warned that the government would take decisive action against those who disturb the peace in the city. Internet regulator NetBlocks announced a “national internet blackout“ in a statement on X.
Turnout in Dar es Salaam was reportedly low when polling stations opened on Wednesday, with many hesitant to turn out due to safety concerns. A police spokesman assured the public that there was no threat to their security, urging "people to come out and vote". More than 37 million registered voters are eligible to vote. Sixteen parties have been granted permission to contest against President Samia, who is seeking a second term. The only serious contender, Luhaga Mpina of the ACT-Wazalendo party, was disqualified on legal technicalities. Samia's ruling party, CCM, dominates the country's politics and has never lost an election since independence.
Ahead of the election, human rights groups condemned the government's crackdown, with Amnesty International warning of a "wave of terror" including enforced disappearances, torture and extrajudicial killings of opposition figures. The government rejected the allegations, and authorities said the elections would be free and fair. Samia took office in 2021 as Tanzania's first female president since the death of President John Magufuli. She was initially praised for easing political repression under her predecessor, but her government was later accused of persecuting critics through arrests and a wave of kidnappings. The electoral body is expected to announce the results three days after the vote.