The disruption added to a tense political atmosphere marked by arrests, bans, and a visible security presence.
As Tanzanians headed to the polls on Wednesday, a nationwide internet disruption deepened fears that the country’s election was unfolding under a tightening web of state control — both online and on the streets.
Netblocks, an internet access advocacy group, confirmed the blackout, saying on X that “live network data show a nationwide disruption to internet connectivity.” Users had earlier reported a slowdown, before access was cut across major cities and rural regions alike, the Associated Press reports.
The disruption added to a tense political atmosphere marked by arrests, bans, and a visible security presence.
Amnesty International described the pre-election environment as one of fear, saying it had verified “cases of enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial killings ahead of the polls.”
The group said alleged abuses by security forces “undermine the legitimacy of the election.”
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, seeking her first full mandate under the long-ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, cast her vote in the legislative capital, Dodoma, urging citizens to participate.
But across dozens of polling stations, a spot check showed low turnout — particularly among younger voters — as opposition voices were muted or jailed.
Voting began at 7 a.m. local time and closed at 4 p.m. (1300 GMT), with preliminary results expected within 24 hours. The electoral commission has up to seven days to declare final results.
The leader of the main opposition CHADEMA party, Tundu Lissu, remains in prison on treason charges after calling for electoral reforms.
The candidate of the second-largest opposition party was barred from running entirely, narrowing the field for what analysts describe as an already predictable contest.
Despite an increase in registered voters — more than 37 million, a 26% rise from 2020 — analysts say political apathy is deepening. Many believe the outcome is predetermined, with Hassan expected to “cruise to victory unchallenged.”
Protests called by CHADEMA on election day were quickly suppressed. Police dispersed demonstrators in Dar es Salaam’s Kimara Kibo area, while others in Ubungo reportedly set a bus and gas station ablaze. Hassan warned earlier that “no protests would be allowed.”
For many observers, however, the story of this election may not be in the ballots cast but in the voices silenced — online and offline — as Tanzania joins a growing list of African states where connectivity disruptions accompany contested polls.