Maseru, Oct.29 — Tanzania experienced a nationwide internet outage on Wednesday, October 29, as the country went into elections with little to no online communication.
According to the global internet observatory Netblocks, which monitors cyber security and connectivity, live network data confirmed a nationwide disruption to internet connectivity in the East African nation in what has been described as a ‘digital blackout’.
“Confirmed: 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,” a statement from NetBlocks said.
Reports from Kenyans.co.ke, indicated that it has also since established that three major service providers in the country have shut down internet access, sparking widespread concern.
Before the shutdown, tensions had been escalating across the country, with the election process tainted by demonstrations and vandalism.
Videos have since emerged of protesters blocking roads, interrupting traffic and engaging police in running battles across several urban areas, including Dar es Salaam.
In some instances, demonstrators were spotted hurling stones at police, prompting security forces to resort to firing teargas canisters to disperse the crowds, which were mostly youth.
Earlier, police had warned citizens against participating in protests in the lead-up to and during elections, with armoured vehicles and tanks deployed across major cities to deter unrest.
Though elections kicked off on Wednesday morning, reports have indicated a notably low turnout which is attributed to the incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan barring main opposition from contesting and being arrested.
The internet shutdown on election day is believed to be intentional in order to deter the public from more unrest through constant updates on developments on the streets.
On the other hand, prior to the polls, regional human rights groups condemned what they described as a ‘sham election’, accusing President Suluhu’s administration of widespread human rights violation and systematic elimination of the opposition.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), the Pan-African Progressive Leaders Network, Vocal Africa, and PAWA 254 said the political situation in Tanzania, where the opposition has been under state attack, represents a total collapse of democratic principles within the East African Community.
The groups said there will be no genuine elections in Tanzania, claiming that the ruling regime has dismantled all mechanisms that would have guaranteed a free and fair vote.
Meanwhile the Southern African Development Community Electoral Observer Mission headed by former Speaker of Parliament of the Republic of Malawi Mr. Richard Msowoya is still mum about the current situation in Tanzania.
Tanzania has remained politically stable since its independence. Its electoral history began with its first official elections in September 1958 and February 1959 under colonial rule, featuring three major parties: Tanganyika African National Union (TANU), United Tanganyika Party (UTP), and African National Congress (ANC). After independence on December 9, 1961, Tanzania continued using the colonial electoral system under the Clerk of the Assembly. By 1965, the country transitioned to a single-party system with only TANU participating, reflecting a shift away from its former multiparty democracy system.
Tanzania’s political development underwent a major sea change with the 1990s shift to a multiparty democracy. Even as opposition parties started to develop, the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which had been in power since Tanganyika and Zanzibar’s unification in 1964, remained dominant. The resilience of CCM in the face of shifting political environments and its entrenched presence throughout the nation, especially in rural regions are the reasons for its strength.
Even though Tanzania’s democratic transition has been more peaceful than that of some of its neighbours, there have still been some challenges. Because of CCM’s dominance, there have been complaints that the political system is disproportionately biassed in favour of the ruling party. Despite being widely seen as free, elections have been tainted by claims of anomalies and voter intimidation.
The 2020 general elections were one of Tanzania’s biggest democratic litmus tests. In the midst of significant claims of electoral irregularities, incumbent President John Magufuli emerged victorious in the election and was awarded a second term. Significant challenges faced by the opposition included censored media access, a curtailment of campaign activity and the detention of opposition leaders. There were many disagreements over the election results, which raised questions about how the nation’s democratic values were being undermined.
Magufuli’s tenure was characterized by a strong stance against corruption with an emphasis on infrastructure development, but also an increase in authoritarianism. His sudden death in 2021 brought Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan to power, making her the first female president of Tanzania. Hassan’s presidency has been viewed as a potential turning point, with her government taking steps to embrace multiparty democracy, reopen political space and engage with the international community fostering stronger diplomatic ties.
Ends/AT
Source: Kenyans.co.ke
