Samia Suluhu Hassan was officially sworn in on Monday as President of the United Republic of Tanzania after a highly contested election that erupted in protests and accusations of irregularity. The oath-taking took place at a military parade ground in the capital, Dodoma, in a ceremony largely closed to the public and held amid tight security and an internet blackout.
Suluhu Hassan said Tuesday that her first priority is restoring order and national unity, after government forces cracked down on weeks of unrest triggered by the vote. She acknowledged that lives were lost during the unrest, but did not give a number. The United Nations rights office has confirmed at least 10 fatalities, while opposition figures say the toll is far higher.
Election results and controversy
According to the official tally, Suluhu Hassan won nearly 98 % of the vote, in elections held on Oct. 29. The main opposition party, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), and its leader were barred from participating in the race; this led to widespread accusations the contest lacked genuine competition.
Observers from the regional bloc Southern African Development Community (SADC) released a preliminary statement saying the election “fell short” of accepted democratic standards. They cited intimidation of opposition supporters, a heavily armed security presence in many polling areas and an internet shutdown that hampered observers’ ability to monitor the process.
“On behalf of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) … it is my distinct honour to welcome you all to this important event where I present the Preliminary Statement of the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) on the 2025 General Election in the United Republic of Tanzania. The General Election was conducted over two days, starting with the security forces on 28 October 2025 in Zanzibar, while the rest of the voters voted on 29 October 2025.”
“Our observers initially experienced challenges in consulting with key stakeholders, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as they had not been issued with Introduction Letters together with Accreditation Identification Cards as required by the law. Some INEC officials required the said Introduction Letters before consultations with the SEOM observers…”
What comes next
Suluhu Hassan, who first entered the presidency in 2021 following the death of her predecessor, now begins a full term under a cloud of uncertainty. Although her inauguration was meant to reinforce continuity, the heavy security presence and muted public participation raise questions over public confidence in the fresh mandate.
Her administration faces immediate challenges: restoring trust in the electoral process, convincing a skeptical international community of its legitimacy, and managing rising tensions at home after the crackdown. Analysts say how her government responds to the SADC findings will be key for Tanzania’s regional standing.
The inauguration of Samia Suluhu Hassan was attended by only 2 presidents from the East African Community bloc underscoring regional interest in the event. African presidents who attended the ceremony were Hakainde Hichilema, President of Zambia; Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of Burundi; Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of Somalia; and Filipe Nyusi, President of Mozambique.
