In the wake of Tanzania’s fiercely contested October 29, 2025, presidential election, the country’s main opposition party, Chadema, has mounted a dramatic call for the annulment of the results and the creation of a transitional government. The election, which saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s ruling party claim a sweeping victory with nearly 98% of the vote, has been marred by allegations of widespread irregularities, violence, and a crackdown on dissent, plunging the nation into a tense political standoff.
According to reporting from the Associated Press, Chadema’s deputy leader John Heche made an impassioned plea on December 11, 2025, urging the United Nations and African continental bodies to step in. Heche demanded that these international organizations oversee the establishment of a transitional government and the organization of a fresh, fair election. He was unequivocal in his condemnation of the October poll, declaring, “The entire election is invalid, and it has no legitimacy because it took place under gross violations of the law, justice, and democratic principles.”
Heche’s demands did not stop there. He called for the immediate dissolution of the Tanzanian electoral commission, the very body that had declared President Hassan’s landslide victory. He insisted that only a transitional government, empowered to oversee constitutional reforms and a new round of elections, could restore public trust and democratic legitimacy in Tanzania. “The current government has no legitimacy,” Heche stated, reflecting the deep mistrust that has taken root among opposition supporters and many observers.
The October 29 election itself was a flashpoint for controversy. As reported by Reuters and corroborated by human rights organizations, Chadema was barred from participating in the vote, a move that opposition leaders say rendered the process fundamentally unfair. The exclusion of Chadema, the country’s main opposition force, prompted widespread outcry both within Tanzania and internationally. The Southern African Development Community (SADC), a regional bloc, concluded that the election fell short of democratic standards. SADC cited irregularities, restricted access for political party agents, and instances where some voters were unable to cast their ballots as key factors undermining the credibility of the poll.
Perhaps most alarming were the events that unfolded in the aftermath of the election. Days of protests erupted across major Tanzanian cities as citizens took to the streets to voice their frustration and demand accountability. These demonstrations, however, were met with a heavy-handed response from security forces. According to the Associated Press, hundreds of people lost their lives in clashes with police, and more than 2,000 individuals were arrested. The violence and mass detentions sent shockwaves through Tanzanian society, leaving families grieving and communities on edge.
Efforts to continue the protest movement have been stifled by a robust government crackdown. Ahead of planned follow-up demonstrations during the week of December 8-11, 2025, human rights groups reported a significant increase in police deployments in urban centers. Activists who attempted to organize were met with intimidation and, in many cases, detention. The government’s response, critics say, has only deepened concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and the closing of political space in Tanzania.
Another point of contention was the government-imposed internet blackout. On election day and for ten days thereafter—spanning from October 29 to November 8, 2025—Tanzanians found themselves cut off from the digital world. The blackout, which drew condemnation from both domestic and international human rights organizations, severely hampered the ability of journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens to communicate, organize, and report on unfolding events. It also raised alarms about the government’s willingness to restrict the flow of information during critical moments.
Chadema’s leadership has faced intense personal risk throughout this turbulent period. Tundu Lissu, the party’s chairperson, has been imprisoned since April 2025 on charges of treason—a move widely interpreted as retaliation for his vocal calls for electoral reforms. Lissu’s detention has become a rallying point for opposition supporters and has drawn international attention to the plight of political prisoners in Tanzania. The government, for its part, maintains that Lissu’s arrest was justified under national security laws, but critics argue that it is part of a broader pattern of silencing dissent.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who was inaugurated following her decisive victory, has sought to project an image of unity and stability. During her inauguration speech, Hassan pledged to bring the country together after the divisive election. However, she also pointed the finger at foreign actors, blaming them for inciting the violence that marred the post-election period. This narrative has resonated with some segments of the population, particularly those wary of outside interference in Tanzania’s internal affairs. Yet, for many others, the president’s remarks have done little to assuage fears about the state of democracy and human rights in the country.
The international community has watched Tanzania’s unfolding crisis with growing concern. The Southern African Development Community’s critical assessment of the election process has added weight to calls for reform. Human rights organizations, meanwhile, have documented the government’s crackdown on protests and the chilling effect of the internet blackout. The United Nations has not yet issued a formal statement on Chadema’s demand for a transitional government, but diplomatic sources indicate that quiet discussions are underway among regional and global actors about how best to support a peaceful resolution.
For ordinary Tanzanians, the political turmoil has brought uncertainty and anxiety. Many citizens who had hoped for a peaceful and democratic transfer of power now find themselves grappling with the aftermath of violence, the specter of further unrest, and deep questions about the future of their country. The opposition’s call for a transitional government, while bold, faces significant challenges—not least the entrenched power of the ruling party and the heavy security presence on the streets.
As the dust settles on one of Tanzania’s most contentious elections in recent memory, the road ahead remains uncertain. Will the government heed the opposition’s demands for reform and dialogue, or will it double down on its current course? Can regional and international actors help broker a solution that restores confidence in Tanzania’s democratic institutions? These are the questions now facing a nation at a crossroads.
One thing is clear: the events of October and the weeks that followed have left an indelible mark on Tanzania’s political landscape. The coming months will test the resilience of its institutions, the resolve of its people, and the willingness of its leaders to chart a path toward reconciliation and renewal.
