By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Tanzania, 29 October 2025 - Tanzania’s much-anticipated General Election has been overshadowed by low voter turnout, sporadic protests, and an internet blackout, raising renewed concerns about the state of democracy under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s rule.
Despite 37.7 million registered voters, polling stations across the country reported limited participation, with some voting centers in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Arusha appearing half-empty throughout the day. Observers described the atmosphere as “tense, but subdued.”
Some voters told Dawan Africa that growing disillusionment with the government and the absence of strong opposition candidates lowered enthusiasm.
“I didn’t vote,” said *Salim (not his real name), a 27-year-old resident of Arusha.
“I joined the protests because strong opposition leaders were barred from vying against Hassan. People have lost faith in the process.”
By early afternoon, demonstrations had erupted in several urban centres.
Videos shared before the digital blackout showed groups of protesters blocking roads, chanting anti-government slogans, and clashing with police, who responded with tear gas and arrests.
Reported widespread internet outage began mid-morning, coinciding with voting hours.
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Monitoring group NetBlocks confirmed a “significant disruption” affecting major social media and messaging platforms.
Analysts and rights organizations accused the government of attempting to stifle information flow and suppress dissent as tensions rose.
“This digital blackout is not a coincidence,” said a Dar es Salaam-based political observer who requested anonymity.
“It is part of a pattern, control the message, control the narrative, and control the people.”
President Hassan, who is seeking her first full term, has been accused by opposition and civil rights groups of tightening restrictions on free expression and political competition, despite initially pledging to promote openness after the late John Magufuli’s authoritarian rule.
Polling stations officially closed at 4pm East African Time (EAT), with ballot counting now underway.
The National Electoral Commission has said preliminary results will be announced within three days.
Tanzania’s Democracy on Test as Low Turnout, Internet Blackout Mark Election Day
Tanzania Decides
