- Tanzania is experiencing a nationwide internet blackout on election day, with access to social media and messaging platforms disrupted
- The outage coincided with voting, leading to suspicions that the authorities wanted to limit monitoring and control of the flow of information
- President Samia Suluhu voted in Dodoma as security forces stepped up patrols and opposition strongholds reported arrests
- The election was held under tension, with opposition candidates restrained by fear of a return to repressive politics
Tanzania is facing internet disruptions across the country as millions head to polling stations in a tight election characterized by little freedom and silenced opposition.
Source: Twitter
The blackout, confirmed by NetBlocks, an internet watchdog group, hit as voting began at 1am, cutting off access to major social media platforms and messaging services across the country.
According to the watchdog, many users reported hours of reduced connectivity before the shutdown.
“Confirmed: Live data shows internet connectivity disruptions in #Tanzania on election day, confirming reports of digital blackout; incident comes as Tanzanians vote for new president and parliament, with all major opposition parties blocked,” NetBlocks posted on X.
The duration and extent of the blackout has raised suspicions that the government acted to restrict the flow of information and reduce election day monitoring.
Human rights groups had previously warned that the disruption would undermine transparency in a referendum that has already been criticized as one-sided.
Samia’s message What was the solution?
President Samia Solution Hassanwho is running for a second term under the long-ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), faces little competition after the main opposition candidates were blocked.
The electoral commission prevented both main opposition parties, CHADEMA and ACT-Wazalendo, from fielding presidential candidates.
Voting continued under tight security, with police patrolling urban centers and reports of arrests in opposition strongholds.
In several polling stations in Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, the number of people who showed up was small, especially among young voters.
Hassan, who cast his vote in Dodoma, urged citizens to participate in large numbers, reminding them that it is their patriotic duty.
Source: Twitter
Hassan came to power in 2021 following the sudden death of John Magufuli, initially raising hopes for political reform.
He lifted the ban on political meetings and reached out to the opposition, gaining praise both at home and abroad.
But as the election approached, his government appeared to return to repressive tactics similar to those of his predecessor.
Opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is currently in prison on treason charges, remains a key figure in the election narrative.
His detention and the government’s crackdown on dissent have fueled claims of a backsliding authoritarian regime.
Protests shake up Tanzania’s voting
As previously reported, in the city of Dar es Salaam, the police suppressed protest small
In the neighborhood of Kimara Kibo, officers fired tear gas to disperse the protestors who wanted to boycott.
In Ubungo, witnesses reported that protesters torched an express bus and a gas station before police restored order.
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