Tanzania is in the throes of a severe political crisis after the recent national elections, with opposition leaders reporting that nearly 700 people have died in election-related protests. The unrest began after major opposition figures were barred from the presidential ballot, sparking demonstrations across multiple cities.

John Kitoka, spokesperson for the main opposition party, Chadema, told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that the death toll was staggering. According to Kitoka, Dar es Salaam alone has seen around 350 fatalities, while Mwanza accounts for more than 200 deaths. When combined with smaller cities and rural areas, the total reportedly reaches approximately 700 deaths, though he warned that actual figures may be higher due to nighttime curfews and ongoing violence.

Kitoka emphasized that Chadema volunteers were visiting hospitals and health clinics to tally casualties, claiming the government’s response has been lethal. He demanded an immediate halt to what he described as “police brutality” and called for a transitional government to pave the way for free and fair elections.

Amnesty International has also confirmed that at least 100 deaths have been independently verified, though the organization cautioned that the true toll might be higher.

The unrest erupted on election day, October 29, after key opposition leaders were excluded from the presidential ballot. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is widely expected to consolidate power, will now face only minor-party candidates, prompting accusations of systematic suppression of political opposition.

Tundu Lissu, Chadema vice-chair, was previously arrested on treason and cybercrime charges in April, and his party later called for an election boycott unless reforms were implemented. Similarly, Luhaga Mpina, leader of ACT-Wazalendo, was disqualified last month, further narrowing the field.

Critics argue that the government has increasingly resorted to abductions, arrests, and intimidation of opposition figures in the lead-up to the election, heightening tensions and fueling public outrage.

Protesters initially congregated in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest port city, but the unrest quickly spread nationwide. Demonstrators have attacked police forces, set fire to government-associated property, and caused significant damage to businesses linked to the ruling party.

The government responded by imposing a nationwide curfew and disrupting internet services, with the global watchdog NetBlocks reporting widespread connectivity outages. Heavy police and military presence continues to confront demonstrators, with authorities warning that security forces will continue efforts to restore “law and order.”

Gen Jacob John Mkunda, the Tanzanian army chief, described protesters as “criminals” and pledged that the military would contain the unrest. This hardline stance has drawn criticism from both local and international observers, who call for measured responses and respect for human rights.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has expressed alarm over the violence, confirming reports of at least 10 fatalities caused by security forces and highlighting incidents in Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga, and Morogoro. OHCHR spokesperson Seif Magango urged authorities to avoid excessive use of force and respect citizens’ right to peaceful assembly.

Human rights lawyer Tito Magoti echoed these concerns, asserting that deploying police and military against civilians is unjustified. He called on President Hassan to listen to her citizens, noting that many Tanzanians feel disenfranchised and unable to participate in a fair election process.

Tanzania’s current political climate underscores growing concerns about electoral fairness and democratic governance in East Africa. Analysts warn that the exclusion of major opposition parties and the resulting protests could destabilize the nation if unaddressed, while opposition leaders argue that the government must engage in transparent dialogue and electoral reforms.

Experts suggest that the ongoing unrest may also impact regional stability, as Tanzania is a key economic hub in East Africa. International observers and human rights organizations are calling for immediate investigations into the deaths, accountability for excessive force, and assurances that future elections will uphold democratic standards.

As Tanzania grapples with one of its deadliest electoral crises in recent history, the eyes of the world remain on the government’s response and the potential for meaningful political reform. The coming days will be crucial for the country’s democracy, the safety of its citizens, and the broader stability of the region.