President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of Tanzania's recent presidential election, securing an overwhelming majority of the vote, reportedly around 98 percent. The electoral commission announced these results amidst a climate of intense controversy, with significant civil unrest and allegations of a 'sham election' immediately following the declaration. Voter turnout was stated to be nearly 87 percent of the 37.6 million registered voters, with President Suluhu reportedly garnering approximately 31.9 million votes out of 32 million cast.

However, these results have been vehemently rejected by Tanzania’s main opposition party, CHADEMA, and various international observers. CHADEMA's Secretary General John Mnyika stated that the figures released by the National Electoral Commission (NEC) were “completely fabricated” and did not reflect the will of Tanzanians. The party asserted that no legitimate election took place on October 29, 2025, describing the process as dubious and unverifiable. They cited widespread voter intimidation and disruptions at polling stations, leading to a much lower actual turnout than officially reported.

Opposition groups accused authorities of manipulating the electoral process to secure Suluhu's victory, labeling the outcome a “clear coup against the will of Tanzanians” who were denied their democratic right to choose their leader. The rejection of the results has fueled ongoing riots, with reports indicating hundreds of people have been killed and property worth millions of shillings destroyed during the post-election protests.

In response to the escalating situation, CHADEMA has called on the international community to withhold recognition of Samia Suluhu Hassan as president, arguing that she lacks legitimacy, having not been elected by the people. The party insists that no election should be held without genuine reforms, viewing the current announcement as a direct subversion of democratic principles.

The African Union (AU) also weighed in on the events, with Chairperson Mahmoud Youssouf having congratulated President Suluhu on her election victory. Despite this, the AU Chairperson expressed deep regret over the loss of human life during the post-electoral protests and extended sincere condolences to the families of the victims. Youssouf called on Tanzanians to maintain peace and emphasized the critical need to uphold fundamental rights and freedoms, including the right to peaceful assembly and expression. He urged authorities to safeguard these rights within the bounds of the law and citizens to exercise their rights responsibly. The African Union reaffirmed its readiness to support the people and Government of Tanzania in their efforts to preserve peace, national cohesion, and democracy.

President Suluhu, alongside her deputy Emmanuel Nchimbi, has already been handed her certificate of presidency and is set to serve a five-year term, though the legitimacy of her win continues to be a central point of contention and widespread protest across the nation.