In a record-breaking result, Samia Suluhu Hassan of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party has clinched 97.66% of the vote in Tanzania’s latest presidential election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced on Saturday. 🎉
The win makes Hassan the first elected female president in Tanzania’s history. She had been vice president from 2015 to 2021 and stepped in as head of state in March 2021 after then-President John Magufuli passed away.
On Wednesday, Tanzanians cast ballots for president, parliament members, and local councils. Out of 17 presidential hopefuls, Hassan defeated 16 opponents, extending CCM’s decades-long hold on power.
However, the election wasn’t without tension. In Dar es Salaam, protests erupted over accusations that authorities sidelined key opposition figures. Clashes with police led to some damage and reports of internet disruptions. Authorities later imposed a curfew in the port city.
Despite the unrest, Hassan’s victory is shaping up as a historic milestone. Young voters, professionals, and diaspora communities alike are watching to see how her leadership will steer Tanzania forward.
What’s next? With a fresh mandate, President Hassan faces the challenge of uniting a divided political scene, boosting the economy, and inspiring the next generation of leaders. Stay tuned! 🌍✈️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
