DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Authorities in Tanzania have imposed a night-time curfew in parts of the country following violent protests that erupted during Wednesday’s general election, marked by low voter turnout and a nationwide internet shutdown.
Police fired tear gas in Dar es Salaam to disperse opposition supporters demanding electoral reforms and free political activity.
Several people were reported injured as protesters lit fires on major highways, vandalised public transport, and damaged bus terminals and other infrastructure.
Internet watchdog NetBlocks confirmed a “nationwide disruption to internet connectivity,” saying the blackout coincided with the outbreak of unrest.
Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Alfred Chalamila announced a curfew in the city, warning that security agencies would “take strong action” against those disturbing peace and order.
The violence and internet disruption came as more than 37 million registered voters went to the polls to elect a president and members of parliament at over 99,000 polling stations.
Polls opened at 07:00 local time (04:00 GMT) and closed at 16:00 local time (13:00 GMT), with results expected within 72 hours, according to the National Electoral Commission.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Africa’s only female head of state, is seeking re-election in a contest largely seen as favouring her ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.
The main opposition leader remains in jail on treason charges, which he denies, while his party has boycotted the vote.
Rights groups, including Amnesty International, have accused the government of intimidating opposition figures ahead of the election, citing enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings — claims officials have rejected.
Samia, who took office in 2021 after the death of President John Magufuli, was initially hailed for easing repression but is now accused of tightening control over political space.
The electoral commission is expected to release official results within three days.
