Tanzania Cuts Nationwide Internet as Citizens Head to the Polls
DAR ES SALAAM, Oct 29 — Tanzania experienced a nationwide internet blackout on Wednesday as citizens voted in presidential and parliamentary elections marked by low turnout and heightened tensions.
Global internet observatory NetBlocks confirmed the outage, saying live network data showed a disruption to internet connectivity across the East African nation. “Confirmed: Live network data show a nationwide disruption to internet connectivity in #Tanzania on election day,” the group said in a statement on X.
kenyans.co.ke reported that at least three major service providers shut down internet access, prompting concerns over transparency and information flow during the vote.
The blackout came amid reports of protests and clashes in major cities, including Dar es Salaam, where demonstrators blocked roads and confronted police. Security forces used teargas to disperse crowds after some protesters hurled stones at officers.
Authorities had warned against demonstrations in the lead-up to the polls and deployed armoured vehicles across urban areas to deter unrest.
Election observers reported low voter turnout. Opposition leaders were either jailed or barred from running against incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan, raising concerns about the credibility of the process.
Regional rights groups on Tuesday denounced the elections as a “sham,” accusing the government of suppressing dissent and dismantling democratic safeguards. The Kenya Human Rights Commission and several partner organizations said the situation reflected a collapse of democratic principles within the East African Community.
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Tanzania Cuts Nationwide Internet as Citizens Head to the Polls