The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party clinched a sweeping victory in Tanzania’s local elections, securing over 98% of the seats.
The vote, held on Wednesday, is seen as a litmus test for President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government ahead of the 2025 presidential and parliamentary elections.
Opposition party Chadema accused the government of widespread electoral misconduct, reporting three deaths linked to poll-related violence.
More than 80,000 local leaders were elected nationwide, positions that hold significant influence over governance and development.
Minister of State Mohamed Mchengerwa, announcing the results, called for the immediate swearing-in of the newly elected leaders.
Despite its longstanding dominance since independence in 1961, the CCM faces criticism over alleged repression and unfair candidate disqualifications.
President Hassan initially gained praise for easing restrictions on opposition and media after succeeding John Magufuli in 2021.
However, critics, including human rights groups, have accused her administration of renewed crackdowns in the run-up to the elections.
Chadema, claiming targeted disqualifications and violence, plans an emergency meeting on Friday to assess and respond to the situation.
The Catholic Church condemned the violence, with Archbishop Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi decrying the nation’s “pain and suffering” during this tense period.
Tanzania’s opposition boycotted local polls in 2019 under similar circumstances, allowing the CCM to claim an uncontested victory.
While Tanzania is regarded as a stable democracy in East Africa, growing political tensions cast a shadow over its democratic institutions.
Observers fear escalating conflict as next year’s presidential elections approach, urging meaningful reforms to restore trust in the electoral process.