Tanzania hit by nationwide internet outage on election day as protests erupt
Tanzania’s general elections on Wednesday, October 29, were marred by widespread protests, violence, and an apparent nationwide internet shutdown.
Tanzania’s general elections on Wednesday, October 29, were marred by widespread protests, violence, and an apparent nationwide internet shutdown.
According to NetBlocks, an independent internet observatory, digital communications across Tanzania were disrupted just as voting and protests intensified.
“Live network data show a nationwide disruption to internet connectivity in Tanzania on election day, corroborating reports of a digital blackout; the incident comes as Tanzanians vote for a new president and parliament, with both main opposition parties barred,” NetBlocks said in its report.
The statement confirmed earlier complaints by citizens who reported difficulty accessing social media and messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and X.
The protests erupted across major cities, including Dar es Salaam and Arusha, as millions of Tanzanians went to the polls to elect a new president and members of parliament.
In Dar es Salaam, demonstrators clashed with police, who responded with tear gas, live ammunition, and water cannons.
Reports indicate that polling centers were set ablaze in several areas, while at least one police vehicle was torched.
In Kagera, where 17 people were arrested before voting began, protests spiraled into running battles between youth and security forces.
In Zanzibar’s Stone Town, protesters were seen dismantling CCM billboards and chanting anti-government slogans.
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Reports suggested the military had deployed armored vehicles in Dar es Salaam, with some witnesses claiming soldiers intervened to protect demonstrators from police aggression.
With more than 37 million registered voters, polling stations opened at 7 a.m., but turnout appeared significantly low.
The unrest comes amid accusations of electoral manipulation, suppression of opposition voices, and a lack of fair competition.
The elections have been boycotted by the main opposition party, Chadema, under its ‘No Reforms, No Election’ campaign, demanding fundamental changes to an electoral system it accuses of being biased in favor of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).
Chadema’s leader, Tundu Lissu, was arrested on treason charges in April 2025 and barred from participating in the polls.
Meanwhile, ACT-Wazalendo’s presidential hopeful, Luhaga Mpina, was disqualified by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over alleged procedural violations.
This left President Samia Suluhu facing 16 minor candidates, most of whom have conducted little or no campaign activity.
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