A curfew in the capital of Tanzania following elections that witnessed violence news

Tanzanian police announced on Wednesday evening the imposition of a curfew in the city of Dar es Salaam, the economic capital of the country, after violent protests broke out coinciding with the presidential elections, which President Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to win after the most prominent opposition candidates were excluded from the electoral race.

Internet outage

Internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported that Internet services were disrupted across the country, at a time when video clips spread on social media showing young men throwing stones at security forces, and a gas station on fire.

Eyewitnesses also reported angry demonstrations in several neighborhoods in Dar es Salaam, which included the burning of a local government office.

Demonstrations in Arusha and angry chants

The opposition published a video clip on the

Reports indicated that the protesters used the Zillow application, which turns smartphones into wireless communication devices, to coordinate among themselves, and no official comment was issued from the government or police despite media requests.

Elections in the middle of political controversy

In turn, the main opposition party, Chadema, described the elections as a “coronation” for President Samia Hassan, who took power in 2021 after the death of her predecessor. The party was excluded last April after it refused to sign an electoral code of conduct.

The party leader, Tundu Lissu, was also charged with treason, and the Alliance for Change and Transparency – Patriots candidate, Luhaga Mbina, was excluded, leaving the field for President Samia Hassan to face only small parties.

Low voter turnout

Polling stations closed at 4:00 pm Mecca time, amid low voter turnout, and the results are expected to be announced within 3 days.

After casting her vote in the administrative capital, Dodoma, President Samia Hassan called on citizens to exercise their right to vote and choose who represents them.

Parliamentary elections in Zanzibar

In addition to the presidential elections, voters chose members of the 400-seat parliament, in addition to a president and deputies in the semi-autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar.

Investigations into kidnapping allegations

Although some parties praised President Samia Hassan’s easing of political restrictions that were imposed during the era of her predecessor, John Magufuli, human rights organizations and opponents recently accused the government of involvement in unexplained kidnappings.

Last year, the Tanzanian President announced the opening of an investigation into these allegations, but no official results have been published yet.

Diplomatic warnings

The curfew began at six o’clock in the evening local time, and the US embassy announced that it had advised its employees to remain at home for their safety.