Suluhu’s legitimacy crisis: Tanzania leader on the spotlight over controversial poll

Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan during her inauguration on November 3, 2025./DPCS

Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s re-election is facing mounting international scrutiny amid claims of a one-sided contest, violent repression, and a shrinking democratic space.

Tanzania’s Independent National Electoral Commission declared Suluhu the winner of the October 29 general election with 97.7 per cent, representing 31.9 million votes, with turnout nearing 87 per cent. There were 37.6 million registered voters.