The Tanzanian government has imposed a curfew in Dar es Salaam following a tempestuous and tense election day with protests, clashes, and general violence throughout the country.
Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander Muliro Jumanne declared that the curfew will begin at 6:00 p.m. without stating when it will be lifted. The move follows tensions escalating after opposition supporters protested over the credibility of the election.
Northern Regional Commissioner Alfred Chalamila endorsed the curfew order, warning security agencies that they would take strong action against any individual who would seek to cause disturbance to public order.
“Even if you are witnessing any type of propaganda on social media against any part of Dar es Salaam, be informed that the effort used to stop the situation will be seven times the effort used to come up with it,” warned Chalamila.
The demonstrations followed a report that the internet had gone down across the country, except for social media and news websites across the entire electoral process, reports BBC News Africa.
Demonstrations filled streets objecting to the polls being “one-sided” and calling for electoral reforms after the arrest of Opposition party leader Tundu Lissu, whose party CHADEMA also issued an election boycott call.
The police retaliated by harassing protesters with tear gas and bolstering security in strategic towns like Dar es Salaam.
Turnout was appallingly low against Tanzania’s 37 million voters, with citizens remaining indoors mainly out of fear as running battles between protesters and police continued.
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stated that results would be announced within three days after the end of the poll.
