In a tense turn of events, Tanzania's main city, Dar es Salaam, witnessed a clash between police and opposition supporters protesting against the ongoing general election. The election, which is expected to be a landslide victory for President Samia Suluhu and her ruling party, has sparked concern among rights groups and opposition figures. The main opposition leader is currently in jail on treason charges, which he denies, and his party has boycotted the vote, leaving the ruling party with little competition. The election has been marred by reports of low voter turnout and safety concerns, with many hesitant to show up amid fears of violence and repression. The police have fired tear gas to disperse protesters, resulting in injuries and confrontations. The electoral body is expected to announce results in three days, but the political climate remains volatile. The situation has raised questions about the fairness and transparency of the election, with rights groups condemning government repression and Amnesty International citing a 'wave of terror' involving enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings of opposition figures. The government has rejected these claims, but the political space has narrowed, with the ruling party dominating the country's politics and never losing an election since independence. The election has also been marked by the disqualification of the only other serious contender, Luhaga Mpina of the ACT-Wazalendo party, on legal technicalities. The situation remains fluid, and the outcome of the election will have significant implications for Tanzania's future.
