Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, has rejected the presidential election results declaring Samia Suluhu Hassan winner, describing the process as a “coup against the will of Tanzanians” amid deadly protests that have left hundreds dead.
Tanzania’s main opposition party, the Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema), has rejected the results of Wednesday’s presidential election, describing it as a coup against the citizens and vowing not to recognise Samia Suluhu Hassan as president.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its spokesperson, John Mnyika, the party said it “rejects the so-called election results announced by the National Electoral Commission.” Mnyika added, “The announcement of results today is a clear coup against the will of Tanzanians who have been denied their democratic right to choose the leader they want.”
He maintained that Mrs Hassan “lacks legitimacy, having not been elected by the citizens of Tanzania,” stressing that the opposition “does not recognise her as the president of the United Republic of Tanzania.”
According to Chadema, the election lacked fairness and credibility, as “citizens did not participate in the October 29 election due to an environment that was neither free nor fair.”
The electoral commission declared Mrs Hassan winner with 97.6 per cent of votes, extending her rule by another five years. However, nationwide protests have erupted, with over 700 people reportedly killed in clashes with security forces.
Western missions in Tanzania have expressed concern over the mounting death toll.