from ALLOYCE KIMBUNGA in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
Tanzania Bureau
DAR-ES-SALAAM, (CAJ News) – THE government’s disruption of the internet has cast further doubts on Tanzania holding credible elections on Wednesday.
Millions are to participate in an election that already has been dismissed as a farce after the main opposition parties and candidates were banned.
Months leading to the elections in the East African country, social media networks, mainly, X (formerly Twitter) were deactivated.
Things deteriorated on Election Day following the internet disruption, which was confirmed by NetBlocks.
“Live network data show a nationwide disruption to internet connectivity in Tanzania on election day, corroborating reports of a digital blackout.”
NetBlocks added, “The incident comes as Tanzanians vote for a new president and parliament, with both main opposition parties barred.”
Incumbent Samia Suluhu Hassan is set to retain power as president.
She has been in the position since 2021.
Hassan (65) is accused of running the country with an iron fist.
Tanzania is lauded for masterminding the independence of several countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
– CAJ News