An Election Upset: Gen Z Protests in Tanzania

Gen-Z Protests in Tanzania

Electoral Authoritarianism

Many African countries have struggled to break away from colonial regimes and institutions. Even with the veneer of democratization, political systems have often been built to allow dynastic or party rule to persist — with unfair or improper elections ensuring authoritarian control remains intact.

This highlights the ongoing challenge many nations face in creating truly sovereign democratic states.

Tanzania is no exception. The country was under one-party rule from 1965 to 1992, and though it transitioned into a multi-party system under both internal and external pressure, the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) remained dominant.

CCM maintained control by creating unfair electoral environments:

• Opposition figures were disqualified on arbitrary technicalities.
• Political rallies and public gatherings were outlawed.
• Only the ruling party could openly demonstrate or campaign.

Over the past two presidential administrations, Tanzania has experienced further democratic decline.

Under John Magufuli (2015–2021), restrictions on the press and civil society tightened considerably. When President Samia Suluhu Hassan assumed power in 2021 following Magufuli’s death, these restrictions initially eased slightly — but that progress has since reversed.

Following disputed election results and the violent suppression of protests, Hassan’s administration appears to be moving deeper into electoral authoritarianism, not away from it.

Electoral authoritarianism

Electoral authoritarianism refers to systems where elections occur, but the outcome is predetermined to keep those in power. Governments using this model undermine democratic processes, control the media, and repress opposition — all tactics Tanzania continues to employ.

The irony runs deep: many repressive institutions of modern African states were inspired by those used in the colonial era, meaning independence often began with a lack of true political freedom.

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Youth Break the Trend

Across the globe, Gen Z-led protests have surged — from Kenya to Nepal, Togo to Peru — with young citizens taking to the streets to voice discontent. Yet, Tanzania’s case is distinct.

For decades, the CCM’s stranglehold on power disincentivized reform. Opposition was repressed, elections were manipulated, and dissenters often disappeared or faced violence.

What makes Tanzania unique is that it has long been seen as one of Africa’s most politically stable nations. Much of that stability was credited to CCM itself, with many believing the ruling party was the reason for peace.

Perception

That perception shattered in September and October, when unprecedented protests erupted following President Hassan’s reelection with 97.66% of the vote.

Hassan was never directly elected before — she rose to power after Magufuli’s death — and her overwhelming victory drew widespread skepticism. Her vote share surpassed even that of founding president Julius Nyerere, who once ran unopposed in a one-party state.

The results were seen as fraudulent by much of the public. Despite widespread boycotts, official reports claimed 80% voter turnout, a figure that contradicted on-the-ground sentiment.

The government’s response was swift and severe:

• Internet blackouts and curfews limited communication.
• Media outlets were censored or shut down.
• Opposition leaders were arrested; activists disappeared.
• Anyone critical of the election risked being charged with treason.

Travel between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, an autonomous island under Tanzanian influence, became heavily restricted.

Reports before the blackout described familiar patterns of state repression — intimidation, harassment, and violence — escalating into extrajudicial killings and the weaponization of the legal system.

The full extent of these actions may not be known until communication lines are restored, and even then, it may take much longer before the world learns whether Tanzanian citizens achieved any concessions or lasting change.

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The Path Forward

Tanzania’s future remains uncertain.

While Gen Z protests worldwide have yielded mixed results, African youth movements have yet to produce lasting political transformation. Protests in Togo, Morocco, and Cameroon are ongoing, while Kenya’s demonstrations have produced limited change. In Mozambique, youth activism surrounding the 2024 election brought little reform.

Elsewhere, Malawi, Côte d’Ivoire, and Cameroon have all faced elections tainted by allegations of manipulation and suspicious vote margins.

Across the continent, many of the democracies formed in the 20th century now stand at a crossroads. Some, like Botswana, Ghana, and Senegal, show signs of progress. Others are sliding further into electoral authoritarianism.

Crossroads

Tanzania finds itself caught between these two paths — a nation with a legacy of peace, but now facing democratic backsliding.

Whether the country’s trajectory moves toward reform or repression will depend largely on:

The willingness of President Hassan’s administration to listen, rather than silence dissent.

The resilience of the protesters, and the willingness of President Hassan’s administration to listen, rather than silence dissent.

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